I am finally seeing more butterfly abundance and diversity as we enter July, and I could not be happier about that! I photographed this appropriately named Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele) nectaring on a fresh Eastern Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) during the morning of Independence Day.
These pollinator plants are gorgeous and great for attracting beneficial insects to your yard. On Sunday, July 3, I was thrilled to finally see my first of the year Monarch butterflies. What species have you spotted recently? Have you planted anything in your garden to help pollinators this year? No matter the flowers you have planted or the species you are attracting let’s all continue to please ban the pesticides in our lives in order to protect theirs – all natural for all of us!
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
