Monarch Magic in the Park

MONARCH MAGIC IN THE PARK

by Cheryl Floyd

A single moment in a retired gentleman’s life started the butterflies soaring after he heard a talk about the plight of the Monarchs. Their numbers continue to decline significantly with the destruction of host milkweed plants through increased development and the use of pesticides and herbicides. Inspired, John Hatfield began gathering information to share with other moversand-shakers in the community. On February 5, 2018, it became official; DeLand was the first city in Florida to be named: Monarch City USA. Originating in Maple Valley, Washington in 2015, Monarch City USA formed for the purpose of encouraging municipalities to directly help the monarch butterfly population recover.

The Sensory Garden at Bill Dreggars Park on Stone Street, dedicated in 1998 as a gift to the community from the Garden Club of Deland, became our first certified Monarch Sanctuary during the 20th anniversary of the garden. Volunteers helped replant the garden with host and nectar plants to create a qualifying habitat to host butterflies including the Monarch, Gulf Fritillary, Sulphur varieties, Swallowtails, and Zebra Longwing, the Florida state butterfly. DeLand has embraced this designation by installing beautiful art with murals, painted benches, and Monarch wings all over town.

The Garden Club of DeLand began a certification program to encourage gardens of all sizes to become butterfly sanctuaries with an emphasis on increasing the monarch population. Visit GardenClubOfDeland.com for more information and an application. With nectar and host plants, gardens of all sizes, even container gardens, can become a designated Monarch Sanctuary. The butterfly with its fascinating lifecycle of metamorphosis from egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and finally into winged flight is a symbol of transformation that delights and mystifies. It’s a reminder of the beauty in all stages of life and gives us hope for tomorrow. Butterflies are a beautiful symbol of healthy living for the soul. Those of us who have reached the time of our lives where most of the hard work is behind us, can now take flight and enjoy life with all its magic, wonder, and beauty.

On Saturday, June 5, 2021, from 9 to 11 am there will be a Monarch Magic event in the Sensory Garden at Bill Dreggars Park, 230 N. Stone in DeLand. Organized by the Milkweed Circle of the Garden Club, this event is planned with families in mind including free crafts, storytelling, and an opportunity for photos in the garden. There will also be host and nectar plants available for purchase. Join in the fun and learn more about gardening to attract butterflies and how to create your own Monarch Sanctuary. While you are at the park, visit the newly installed Veteran’s Wall and Pavilion where more nectar plants attract a variety of pollinators.

I look forward to seeing you on Saturday, June 5. Stop by and say hello, I’ll be in the Storytelling section.

Cheryl Floyd, Speaker/Storyteller and Heal your Life® Coach. Cheryl Floyd is a graduate of East Tennessee State University’s Master Storytelling program. Her career includes over thirty years in education, publishing, life coaching, public speaking, and storytelling. www.cherylfloyd.com