The Cass County Sustainability Committee installed a Butterfly Garden and Pollinator Patch at Memorial Park in Belton in April, 2015. The garden consists of native Missouri plants and is designed to provide vital food to butterflies and other pollinators. The new garden is located near walking paths across from the Veterans Memorial, near Memorial Station.
Populations of Monarch butterflies and other native pollinators have plummeted alarmingly in recent years due to loss of habitat. The CCSC, with support from Belton Parks and Recreation, has worked to create a way station for these crucial species.
How can you help these native pollinators thrive in your yard? Perennial flowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees native to Missouri will provide cover and food for butterflies and birds. Flowering plants like Blue Lobelia, Canada Anemone, Culver’s Root, Cup Plant, Goldenrod, Coreopsis, Milkweed and Wild Bergamot will bloom in succession July through October, not only beautifying your yard but providing essential habitats for wildlife. Milkweed is essential for Monarch butterflies, as its only source of food.
For additional information, visit the Missouri Prairie Foundation at grownative.org or Native Pollinators at nativepollinator.org.
cassrecycle.wordpress.com 