Duluth Monarch Buddies

Monarch populations are decreasing at an alarming rate partially due to loss of milkweed which is essential for caterpillars to grow and develop. Milkweed habitat is declining due to use of herbicides and pesticides and frequent mowing along roadsides. 

Duluth Monarch Buddies is a local group dedicated to restoring monarch habitats in the Duluth area and educating Duluth residents about the ecology of monarchs and other pollinators. Each year in June, Duluth Monarch Buddies holds a Monarch Festival to raise awareness. Throughout the year, programs are also extended to interested groups and agencies such as state parks, community organizations, and garden clubs.  

A milkweed/pollinator planting project has taken place each year in a park or green space in coordination with Duluth Parks Department, with a grant awarded from Monarch Watch. The City of Duluth has also given permission to plant milkweed in approved sites adjacent to the Lake Superior Lakewalk. Duluth now has 60+ Monarch Way Stations, and a public tour of several sites is planned annually.