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4 <br />The monarch butterfly is but an insect. As an indicator species and a <br />symbol of the things we love most about nature, however, it is powerful. This July, <br />the IUCN added monarch butterflies to its Red List of Threatened Species. The U.S. <br />Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is considering adding monarchs to the U.S. <br />Endangered Species list as well. Overall, eastern monarch populations have declined <br />by more than 80% over the past two decades, and western monarchs have declined <br />by 99.9%. USFWS estimates that there is a 96-100% probability that western <br />monarch populations will collapse within 50 years and an 80% probability that <br />eastern monarchs will as well. <br />Community residents in Hugo and other Midwest towns play an <br />important role in helping to increase monarch habitat, and it’s easy to <br />take action. In fact, fall is an ideal time to plant milkweed and other native species. <br />Milkweeds are a group of native plants that act as the larval host <br />for monarch butterflies and are essential to their survival. There are 73 species <br />of milkweed native to the United States, eight of which grow in Minnesota. Most <br />people are familiar with common milkweed, a fast-spreading plant that farmers <br />and gardeners have often treated as a weed. Other, more well-behaved, varieties <br />to consider adding to your yard include: <br />•Whorled milkweed (narrow stem, spiky leaves, white flowers) <br />•Butterfly weed (short with bright orange flowers, grows in dry sun) <br />•Purple milkweed (considered endangered in parts of its growing range) <br />•Poke milkweed (flowers hang like little bells, grows in part shade) <br />•Green comet milkweed (green flowers) <br />•Showy milkweed (pink flowers and can grow as tall as 6ft); and <br />•Swamp milkweed (pink flowers, grows in wet soils). <br />It is also important to provide nectar for adult butterflies with native plants <br />such as meadow and prairie blazing star, maximilian sunflower, wild bergamot, stiff <br />goldenrod, common boneset, and joe-pye weed. <br />Plant Milkweed and Native Plants <br />to Help Save the Monarch Butterfly <br />Ways to Keep Active This Fall! <br />Though it may be tempting, avoid planting <br />tropical milkweeds that are commonly sold <br />in garden centers. These can carry a parasite that <br />can cause defects in monarchs’ wings, and may also <br />confuse monarchs by signaling a breeding season <br />when it’s time to migrate due to the flowers’ extended <br />blooming season. <br />To find a list of native plant nurseries in Minnesota <br />and Western Wisconsin, request a free site visit, or <br />connect with additional resources, go to <br />www.mnwcd.org/planting-for-clean-water. <br />CONSTRUCTION UPDATE <br />HUGO WELCOMES NEW RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES! <br />Ways to Keep Active This Fall! <br />Walking ClubMemory Café <br />Third Wednesday <br />of each month <br />1:30 pm –3:00 pm <br />Hanifl Fields Gathering Room <br />7032 137th Street North <br />Memory Cafés are a welcoming <br />place for those with memory loss <br />and their caregivers to come <br />together, socialize, and connect <br />with each month. <br />Senior Fitness Class <br />Mondays and Thursdays <br />11:30 am <br />Rice Lake Centre <br />6900 137th Street N <br />Fun, personalized exercise classes designed <br />for seniors. Improve your balance, strength <br />and flexibility in classes led by a nationally <br />certified trainer. Brought to you by the <br />Hugo Senior Citizens’ Club. <br />Kidz ‘n Biz <br />Saturday, <br />September 24th <br />9:00 am - Noon <br />Oneka Elementary School <br />Sponsored by the Hugo Business <br />Association and the Economic <br />Development Authority <br />Kidz ‘n Biz brings together businesses <br />and residents of Hugo for hours of <br />games, entertainment, and fun. <br />Admission is free!