Monarchs in Motion: Red Sun Farms and the Great Monarch Migration

Welcome to Monarchs in Motion! Join us as we appreciate the beauty and wonder of the Great Monarch Migration. At Red Sun Farms, we draw inspiration from the Monarch butterfly, seeing a connection in our shared determination, and our scale. The fact that the Monarch begins and ends its journey in our farming regions is a reminder of shear distance and the determination they face during the migration.

In essence, our journey parallels that of the Monarch butterfly. Just as it navigates its way across continents, we navigate the complexities of the produce industry, always striving for continuous improvement and excellence in providing fresh produce year-round. The Great Monarch Migration is one of the most remarkable natural phenomena on Earth. Every year, millions of Monarch butterflies embark on an epic journey spanning thousands of miles, from Canada and the United States to Mexico.

The timing of the Monarch migration is closely tied to the changing seasons. Typically, Monarchs begin their journey southward in late summer or early fall, with peak migration occurring in September and October. This timing coincides with the onset of cooler temperatures and the diminishing availability of nectar-rich flowers, prompting Monarchs to begin their long journey to Mexico.

Every year, we aim to honor these majestic butterflies through our "Save the Monarchs" social media campaign. By sharing educational content and stunning images, we hope to inspire our followers to make a difference in the lives of Monarchs.

Red Sun Farms Save the Monarchs Photo Contest

We invite you to join in our "Save the Monarchs" photo contest this month! Our team cannot wait to see the submissions, as enthusiasts from across the continent share their stunning photos and record Monarch sightings. Don't miss your chance to participate; visit our social media channels for more details:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redsunfarms/
Instagram: @shopredsun

 

How we can help Monarch Butterflies

Monarch butterflies are sadly endangered, mainly due to habitat loss and the dwindling supply of the milkweed plant. For many reasons, milkweed plays an important role in the life cycle of monarch butterflies.

To begin with, milkweed is the only plant on which female monarchs will lay their eggs. The scarcity of milkweed has significantly contributed to the decline in monarch butterfly populations. Caterpillars also feed exclusively on milkweed leaves, and the plant itself provides a chemical defense. As the caterpillars feed on the plant, they ingest a natural toxin that makes them distasteful and poisonous to predators. The nectar from the milkweed flower provides adult butterflies with enough energy for the great migration.

Planting milkweed in your backyard or in a local community garden is a simple yet significant way to help preserve the species for future generations.

 

Additional Resources:

Explore more about the Monarch Migration and conservation efforts through these additional resources:

Point Pelee National Park
Discover the Monarch's journey and explore their habitat at this renowned Canadian park: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/on/pelee/nature/faune-wildlife/monarque-monarch

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Mexico
Learn about the UNESCO World Heritage site dedicated to protecting the Monarchs' wintering grounds: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1290/

Save our Monarchs Foundation
Support initiatives aimed at preserving Monarch habitats and promoting butterfly conservation: https://www.saveourmonarchs.org/