4th grade science students at Ann Blanche Smith School in Hillsdale recently created a butterfly garden. It was planted this fall so that it will be ready for the Monarch butterflies spring migration and to help with the preservation of the species. The garden was established with the help and support of Raymond Brothers Landscaping and the Bergen County Master Gardeners.

According to Chip Taylor at Monarch Watch, “Monarch butterfly populations are declining due to loss of habitat. To assure a future for monarchs, conservation and restoration of milkweeds needs to become a national priority”

A butterfly garden can be of any size, from a window box to a portion of your landscaped yard to a wild unattended are on a lot. You can include native plants, cultivated species, or a combination of both.

To find out more about starting your own butterfly garden, please visit : Monarchwatch.org