Shenkle Explains Monarch Issues

March 26, 2018 at 3:06 AM

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Cheryl Shenkle 

     Fifty-four members and guests learned the ins and outs of Monarch butterfly raising at the DuBois Area Historical Society’s 11th Annual Spring Luncheon.

      Cheryl Shenkle of DuBois presented “Monarchs 2018, What to Expect and How to Help.” For the past four years Shenkle has led an effort to raise and release monarch butterflies, helping to replenish a species long on a downward spiral.

       The Monarch migrates annually from as far as the Canadian border to Mexico where they breed. They then return to the United States to lay eggs. Environmental changes, particularly the loss of milkweed plants, threaten the Monarch’s existence.

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      Shankle, using a PowerPoint presentation, outline the painstaking task of aiding the Monarch butterfly. Shenkle and others grow the proper milkweed plants to attract the butterflies. Once eggs are laid, she gathers the tiny eggs, disinfects then in a bleach solution, and returns them to boxes containing milkweed, their food during the caterpillar stage of life. Those that mature are released, helping to rebuild their population. 

        “Every year the releases get bigger,” said Shenkle. “They are rebounding. These butterflies are important to nature. I call the monarchs ‘pretty flying flowers’.”

         DuBois Area Historical Society President Ruth Gregori gave the welcome prior to the luncheon hosted at Christ Lutheran Church. Todd Thompson delivered the invocation. Lunch was soup and macaroni salad by Paulette, sandwiches by Subway, and cupcakes by Kookie Kreations.



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