As part of an initiative by the David Suzuki Foundation, Odanak is registered as a monarch-friendly city.
Since 2002, the monarch population has declined by 90%. One of the reasons for this decrease is that the caterpillars must feed on a particular plant: milkweed. This plant grows in fields, roadsides and is often considered a weed. The reproduction of monarchs is therefore disrupted by the reduction in the presence of milkweed, among other things because of herbicides and agricultural practices. As adults, the monarch undertakes a long migration, moving from Canada to Mexico to spend the winter. It can be observed in Quebec especially during the month of June.
This project therefore allows the community to know more about the monarch and to be aware of their preservation. In particular, a discovery activity took place in the community garden in the summer of 2021 as well as a distribution of milkweed seeds and nectar-producing flowers. Milkweed and nectar plants are also planted in the community to create favorable habitats for monarch reproduction.
