Target: USDA, U.S., Canada, and Mexico

Goal: To protect the habitat of the Monarch butterfly from destruction in Mexico, Canada and the U.S.

The phenomenal 3,000 mile migration of the Monarch Butterfly is in danger of becoming part of the past. Illegal deforestation in Mexico and the pesticides that kill milk thistle, a plant the butterflies need to reproduce are both factors that have endangered the monarch. Additionally the development taking place all over the world has encroached on many of their natural habitats. In order to survive, these fragile creatures must have their habitat in tact. Just in the past two winters millions of Monarchs have died due to exposure to wind and cold.

The migration that takes place each year is fascinating: annually millions of Monarchs fly about 50-80 miles a day, from Canada to Mexico to escape the cold. Annually a special generation of butterflies are born which live for 7 to 8 months, rather than a few weeks. These monarchs fly the longest part of the journey, from Canada to Mexico, then back to the U.S. where the migration is passed on to the next generation; instinctively their offspring know the path they must follow to survive. It is astonishing that these tiny, fragile creatures continue to embark on this journey together every year.

In Mexico stricter restrictions must be implemented on illegal deforestation, and in the U.S. and Canada measures need to be take to preserve their habitat. One of the simpler solutions is to encourage gardeners to plant more milkweed; a plant essential for their reproduction and survival, additionally it should be illegal to cut down this plant or the fir trees that they use for shelter.  It is crucial that the habitat of the Monarch Butterfly is protected because they are a natural wonder and a crucial aspect of our history. Recently I visited a Monarch Butterfly habitat; it was akin to being in an enchanted forest where the leaves and bark of the trees were covered in bright orange wings. To see thousands of monarchs fluttering through the cascading light was utterly spellbinding. We must protect this wonder of nature for future generations.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear USDA, Canada, Mexico and U.S. Legislators,

The plight of the Monarch Butterfly is in danger because of the deforestation taking place in Mexico, urban development and the lack of milk thistle they need to survive. The annual migration of these delicate creatures is a part of our history, it is a phenomenon we cannot afford to lose.

Please take the measures necessary to end illegal deforestation in Mexico and protect their habitats in the U.S. and Mexico so these fragile creatures have shelter from the wind and cold. We also need to encourage gardeners to grow milk thistle and prohibit the destruction of this plant and fir trees, as they are crucial to the Monarch's survival.

Sincerely,

[Your name here]