By Lauren Wanko
Correspondent
This time every year, monarch butterflies descend on Cape May Point before continuing the 2,000 mile journey to Mexico. But their population is dwindling.
“We’re losing an iconic insect. This is like the Marilyn Monroe of the insect world,” said Monarch Monitoring Project Field Tech Lindsey Brendel.
“The one place we can look at the entire population is on the wintering grounds in Mexico and there we’ve documented a more than 90 percent decline in 20 years,” said Monarch Monitoring Project Communications Director Mark Garland.
A decrease in the amount of milkweed is largely to blame for the decrease in the amount of monarchs.
“Monarch cannot live without milkweed,” said Monarch Monitoring Project Field Coordinator Louise Zemaitis.
Milkweed’s the only spot where this angelic insect will lay her eggs. And it’s the only plant the caterpillar will eat before transforming into a butterfly.
“If you’re going to get rid of the milkweed, you’re going to get rid of the monarchs,” said Monarch Monitoring Project Special Assistant Angela Demarse.
Researchers with the Monarch Monitoring Project say there used to be lots of milkweed in the Midwest.
“Now the genetically modified crops allow the farmers to spray herbicides and get rid of all the different weeds around the farm, including milkweed,” Garland said.
“This is not the most important thing on our agenda, but it is something that’s of vital importance to the environment in New Jersey and in the United States,” said Assemblyman Tim Eustace.
Four bills in the Assembly are aimed at increasing the monarch population, which, among other things, would support the creation of wildlife habitats where milkweed can thrive.
“Maybe this is a key to how to support better bug populations that in the long run support our crops, support our foods,” Eustace said.
Researchers with the Monarch Monitoring Project say creating a wildlife friendly habitat in your own backyard is one way to help the monarchs recover.
Gardens, which contain milkweed, are all over Cape May Point and growing in popularity throughout New Jersey, which explains why the number of monarchs here hasn’t declined as drastically as other states insist experts.
“Now if the state of New Jersey jumps on board, New Jersey could become a vital reservoir for the monarch population in North America and an example of other states to follow,” Garland said.
Legislators are expected to meet with butterfly experts to discuss the bills next month.