Much appreciation to all the residents who attended the garden fundraiser on Saturday despite the chilly weather! And, of course, lots of gratitude to all those who donated funds to help keep the garden going — and growing. CVers are a generous bunch!
We will keep the fundraiser open for another few days. If you didn’t get a chance to stop by, or forgot to give, you are very welcome to donate to the self-funded now. Checks (made out to CVOI) can be left at the office or for Shari Rueckl, 195 Adams St, Apt 15B. Her Venmo handle is @misssha .
In late August, masses of these butterflies begin an epic trip stretching thousands of miles from areas across the United States and as far north as Canada to overwinter in mountaintops of Central Mexico.
A typical Monarch travels for 30-45 days. This year, the migration is expected to pass through our area from @ Aug 23, 2022 until @ Sept 15, 2022, peaking, roughly, during the first weeks of September.
They won’t hang around long. Monarchs will travel as much as 2,100 miles, averaging 50 miles a day, to reach their destination in Central Mexico by the end of October.
Want to Help Catch and Raise Butterflies Here at CV?
On nice days, we will aim to be outside at 1pm and around 4-6pm. Any grownup residents (and their kids, if they have them) can learn to help safely catch and tag the butterflies. (Watch this video from min 5 to 7 to see how to net and handle the creatures.) To get involved and learn more about when we plan to be outside, please send an email message to cvearthlab@gmail.com. We keep the pro-grade nets locked in the shed and limit shed access to active garden members (its never too late to join!)
Collecting Caterpillars to Raise
Monarch butterflies only lay eggs on milkweed, so any caterpillars found on the pink and white flowered plants are baby Monarch butterflies. We can raise these in the net habitats. — if you find one please alert the group (cvearthlab@gmail.com) and put it into the habitat with some milkweed. Its best to keep the caterpillar outside and avoid touching it (our germs can hurt them.) After a week or two , it will turn into a crysalys, transforming after 7-10 days, then emerge as a butterfly.
To donate, you can leave checks, made out to CVOI, with CVEarthlab in the memo line, at the CV office. Or, you can arrange for a garden member to pick up an envelope from your doorman by sending a note to cvearthlab@gmail.com . We also accept donations via Venmo electronic payment service. To donate via Venmo app, use Shari’s Rueckl’s username: @misssha
Concord Village EarthLab 