If you visit us at Stonehurst you’ll notice our commitment to forest conservation. As wood furniture makers we’re mindful of our impact on nature. Since we all love monarchs (our state butterfly) we work to conserve their habitat both here in VT and in the Mexican forest where they over-winter (above). We’ve partnered with the non-profit, Forests for Monarchs FFM to plant trees & restore monarch habitat in Mexico. So far we’ve planted over 60,000 trees! Photo by Sue Sill.
At Vermont Woods Studios we’re working on saving the Monarch Butterfly. As they leave VT on their annual migration to Mexico we share tips about how you can help monarchs avoid extinction. Hint: it’s all about the milkweed.
Monarch butterflies are a favorite species here at Vermont Woods Studios. They spend summers in Vermont and then migrate to Mexico for the winter. We’re working to conserve their habitat in both places.
I thought today would be a good day to update you on our VWS monarch conservation efforts. Every year, with an uncanny sense of timing, monarch butterflies complete their epic migration and arrive in Mexico on November 1st. Read More
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Two monarch butterflies taking nectar from the blossoms of a common milkweed plant. Thanks to Martin Langeveld who took this recent photo on Meadow Road in Vernon, VT. Are monarchs making a comeback in your neighborhood?
Two years ago, Jose Luis Alvarez and I were inspired by Dr Brower to travel through New England and the Mid-Atlantic states, raising awareness about the plight of the monarchs. We spoke at Harvard, Yale, the Boston Museum of Science, the Philadelphia Zoo and a number of other venues. Our last stop on the “Save the Monarchs Tour” was in Sweet Briar, VA to visit with Dr. Brower. What a pleasure.
Today is Arbor Day so I thought we’d share our love of trees with you. We’re planting at least 2 trees for every customer order in an effort to restore the monarch butterfly’s forested winter habitat in Mexico.
Eileen Ashe invited me to teach about monarchs at Nature Camp, sponsored by the United Church of Hinesburg, VT last week. Students made seed balls out of potting soil, clay and water. We put milkweed and flower seeds in each ball and rolled them into sunny meadows where they’ll grow to produce habitat & food for monarchs next year.
We’ve seen dozens of monarchs this year at our Stonehurst showroom in Vernon, Vermont. It’s exciting because last year we saw only a handful. On this World Nature Conservation Day it’s nice to report that things are on the upswing.
It’s Working!
Nature nuts and monarch lovers: your hard work of planting milkweed & nectar flowers is paying off. Butterfly populations seem to be bouncing back this year after decades of decline. It’s too soon to declare victory but many encouraging signs are out there. We’ll have to wait for the official reports from Monarch Joint Venture but I’m keeping my fingers crossed. Read More
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The National Wildlife Federation has recognized us in their ‘Garden for Wildlife’ program. Our Stonehurst showroom is on 109 acres of sustainably managed woodlands and meadows which NWF has designated as a Certified Wildlife Habitat®.
Dear Customers, Thank You!
The National Wildlife Federation is America’s largest wildlife conservation and education organization. We’re excited to support their work by creating a Certified Wildlife Habitat® as part of their ‘Garden for Wildlife’ program. This achievement is only possible because of the strong support we receive from our wonderful customers and stakeholders.
Fellow Nature Nuts: you can do the same at your home or business! If you have a garden that improves habitat for birds, butterflies, frogs and other wildlife, join the club and get it certified. It’s all about providing your neighborhood wildlife with natural food sources, clean water, cover and places to raise young. Read More
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