September 10, 2009: New Brunswick’s First Monarch Waystation
Saint John, NB: In partnership with Monarch Watch, the Irving Nature Park in Saint John has created New Brunswick’s first Monarch Waystation, joining an international effort to help conserve and protect one of the most fascinating species of the insect world. Monarch Butterflies migrate thousands of kilometres every year from North America to wintering grounds on the forested mountain slopes of Mexico.
Jim Wilson, Past-President of the Saint John Naturalist Club describes the Monarch migration as the most unique migration in the insect world. “The Monarch is the most widely recognized of all North American butterflies,” said Wilson. “They range from southern Canada to northern portions of South America, but unfortunately they are threatened with loss of habitat. This Waystation at the Irving Nature Park will provide the Monarchs with an area to rest, to feed and during the summer months, to potentially reproduce.”
Irving Nature Park Manager Samantha Perrin is excited about the educational opportunities for the public. “With Jim’s help we are looking forwarding to sharing a great hands-on conservation lesson with park visitors this Saturday. Establishing a permanent waystation for the Monarch butterfly is a visible reminder for all of our park visitors about the importance of preserving Monarch populations in the region.” said Perrin.
Photo and Interview opportunity: Friday, September 11, 2009, 10:00 AM at “The Barn” 1379 Sand Cove Road. Jim Wilson, Past-President of the Saint John Naturalist Club and Samantha Perrin, Manager, Irving Nature Park will unveil the new waystation sign, conduct a tour of the area, plant milkweeds and demonstrate the tagging of these amazing insects for local media.
About the Irving Nature Park:
Irving Nature Park is a 600-acre site on the Bay of Fundy coastline that hosts a number of distinct ecosystems, allowing visitors to experience and enjoy a wide variety of nature from tidal pools and salt marsh to Acadian forest. It blends conservation with education and recreation, protecting environmentally significant and sensitive areas while facilitating outdoor learning and recreational opportunities. Created and maintained by J.D. Irving Limited, the Park is accessible year round, with park interpreters on staff May through October to answer inquiries and provide interpretive tours.
About the Monarch Waystation:
Our Monarch Waystation is located on land previously used as pastureland that has grown in with many plant species which provide nectar for butterflies. Asters (Aster spp.), Goldenrods (Solidago spp.), and Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense) cover the majority of the area but are interspersed by many other species of herbs and shrubs that flower at different times during the year. To enhance our plot’s attractiveness to Monarch Butterflies, we have planted Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), a plant native to our area, and will be monitoring its progress in future years.
Contact
Geoff Britt
J.D. Irving, Limited
333-2300