BIRD HUGGER

In today's episode, we talk about the inestimable value of milkweed. Milkweed nectar sustains not just Monarchs, but many species of pollinating insects. The struggle of Monarchs to survive depends on the survival of milkweed and foretells the future for many, if not all, pollinating insects. Scientists claim 1.8 billion milkweed plants must be planted in the U.S. in order to stabilize pollinating insect populations, including the Monarch. And, of course, a decline in insects means a decline in birds, since insects are a bird's main food source. For detailed instructions on how to plant milkweed seeds, go to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower website at https://tinyurl.com/h8r86jvx. Join Catherine Greenleaf, a certified wildlife rehabilitator with 20 years of experience rescuing and rehabilitating injured wildlife, for twice-monthly discussions about restoring native habitat and helping the birds in your backyard. Send your questions about birds and native gardening to birdhuggerpodcast@gmail.com. (PG-13) St. Dymphna Press, LLC.