Oakvillegreen's Milkweed Challenge

As part of our Bring Monarchs Back Initiative, Oakvillegreen is launching a Milkweed Challenge to help our area’s monarch butterfly populations thrive! By collectively planting more milkweed  (our goal is 200 plants), we can restore pollinator habitats in our local area, support this extraordinary species, and spread awareness about the importance of conservation efforts. 

Why Milkweed? 

Did you know only about 5% of our native plants provide 75% of caterpillar food?* The monarch butterfly population has declined by more than 80% since the 1990s. Milkweed is the only host plant for Monarch butterflies. From egg to caterpillar, to pupa, the first 3 stages of the monarch life cycle would simply not be possible without this plant. Even later in their life, adult butterflies sip nectar from milkweed flowers to provide sustenance during their late-season migration. 

A small patch of milkweed plants can be a lifeline for an entire species! Planting milkweed creates a whole beautiful web of life.

There are three types of Milkweed native to Ontario that are available to source which we encourage you to add to your gardens! For more moist to wet areas, plant Swamp Milkweed which grows beautiful bright pink to mauve flowers. Whereas, Butterfly Milkweed thrives in drier, rockier, or more sandy soils and blooms vibrant orange flowers. Finally, Common Milkweed tolerates a variety of soil conditions and does best in natural areas, showcasing delicate and very fragrant light pink flowers.