ThBrandywine Conservancy’s Penguin Court preserve in Westmoreland County and the Westmoreland Pollinator Partners are spearheading an initiative to certify 250 properties in the Laurel Highlands as Monarch Waystations this year!

A Monarch Waystation is a place that provides the resources necessary for monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) to reproduce and sustain their migration.  Milkweed plants (Asclepias spp.) are essential components of a Monarch Waystation, as monarch caterpillars can only eat milkweed.  Nectar plants like asters (Eurybia spp.), goldenrods (Solidago spp.), Joe-pye weeds (Eupatorium spp.), mountain mints (Pycnanthemum spp.), and native sunflowers (Helianthus spp.) are necessary, too, to feed adult monarch butterflies, especially in the fall, when monarchs in the Eastern United States are migrating south to Mexico.  Eliminating the use of insecticides and similar sprays is important, since these chemicals harm beneficial insects as well as “pests.”

Penguin Court is one of over two dozen groups that form the Westmoreland Pollinator Partners (WPP), a coalition of nonprofit organizations, schools, and community gardens that are dedicated to promoting, protecting, and preserving native pollinators and their habitats.

In 2023, when Westmoreland County celebrated its 250^th anniversary, WPP set a goal to see that 250 Monarch Waystations were certified in the county by the end of that year.  That goal was met by August!  Interest in the program was high, even from landowners outside of the county and so, to honor America’s 250^th anniversary this year, WPP wants to certify 250 new properties in the Laurel Highlands as Monarch Waystations.

Where is the Laurel Highlands?  Most agree that the Laurel Highlands encompass Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland Counties.  There is some debate about whether Cambria County should be included, but the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, which oversees the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Laurel Highlands Conservation Landscape considers Cambria County part of the Laurel Highlands, and so this project will, too.

Penguin Court and WPP will be promoting Monarch Waystation certification by educating the public about the importance of native plant species, especially milkweeds and nectar plants, as well as the need to implement best management practices like not using insecticides or herbicides on your property.

Penguin Court will receive Monarch Waystation applications from people within the Laurel Highlands, ensure certification requirements are met, and then assign a Monarch Waystation identification number to participants who will be able to pick up their certificate and garden sign at a Monarch Waystation Reunion event in Greensburg on July 22 and then select locations throughout the region.

Globally, Monarch Waystations are overseen by Monarch Watch, a program based at the University of Kansas; however, Penguin Court will receive applications from within the Laurel Highlands until the 250 goal is met.  Afterwards, participants’ information will be shared with Monarch Watch to be added to the Monarch Waystation Registry.

Events celebrating monarch butterflies and their habitats are planned.  The evening of July 22, a Monarch Waystation Reunion will be held in Greensburg as a fun, casual, and educational gathering of new and established Waystation owners.  Then, on August 15, “Wings Over Westmoreland” will serve as an umbrella for Hummingbird Day, which will be held from 9 a.m. until Noon at Powdermill Nature Reserve in Rector, and Monarchs, Milkweed and More, which will be held from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Ligonier.  At the latter event, winners of the annual Pennsylvania Pollinator Photo Challenge will be revealed.

There is no fee to participate as these activities are supported in part by a grant awarded to Brandywine Conservancy from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program Environmental Stewardship Fund under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation administered through the Pennsylvania Environmental Council’s Laurel Highlands Mini Grant Program.  Brandywine Conservancy, Discover Westmoreland, and FirstEnergy are supplying matching funds, while WPP is providing in-kind contributions.