How Jo An Moses is Creating a Sanctuary for Monarchs

Jo An Moses butterfly garden with an elderly woman and vibrant flowers.

Celebrating Monarchs: A Journey through Jo An Moses' Butterfly Garden

In the heart of Seven Lakes North, Jo An Moses has cultivated more than just flowers; she's created a vibrant haven for monarch butterflies. Her butterfly garden, an eclectic tapestry of colorful flora, is not only a beautiful display but also a crucial sanctuary for these delicate creatures during their remarkable migration journey from Mexico. With bright perennials like black-eyed susans and scarlet coneflowers surrounding the lifeblood of her garden - milkweed - she meticulously fosters an environment conducive to the lifecycle of the monarchs.

Milkweed: The Unsung Hero of Monarch Conservation

Milkweed plays an indispensable role in the survival of monarchs, serving both as a food source for caterpillars and a protective habitat. With its toxic properties, the plant deters predators, allowing caterpillars to thrive. Jo An's daily ritual of inspecting her milkweed for caterpillars echoes the dedication required to nurture life, a sentiment she humorously likens to parenting. “It’s been 67 years since I’ve had a baby. I've forgotten how much feeding is involved!” she laughs, showcasing her commitment to this purposeful hobby.

A Healing Mission: More Than Just Butterflies

For Jo An, this endeavor is deeply intertwined with her personal journey of healing. Her first encounter with butterfly releasing was during a volunteer stint with FirstHealth Hospice House in 2022, following her own battle with cancer. That moment, when a butterfly chose to stay on her fingers, became a powerful reminder that she had more to give. “God must have something for me to do,” she recalls, evoking the profound intersection of nature and personal growth.

Community Spirit: Sharing the Love of Nature

Moses doesn’t keep this joy to herself; she actively shares her experiences with friends, neighbors, and even local garden centers, creating a community ritual around butterfly releases. Each butterfly released is commemorated with blessings, encouraging others to engage with the natural world. By naming her butterflies after grandchildren and friends, she fosters an intimate connection between her loved ones and these incredible insects, highlighting the intricate web of life that binds us all.

The inspiring tale of Jo An Moses and her butterfly garden is a testament to the impactful work individuals can do to support our environment. It's a reminder that as monarchs make their way across landscapes, so too can community bonds strengthen through shared love for nature.

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How Jo An Moses is Creating a Sanctuary for Monarchs

Celebrating Monarchs: A Journey through Jo An Moses' Butterfly Garden

Milkweed: The Unsung Hero of Monarch Conservation

A Healing Mission: More Than Just Butterflies

Community Spirit: Sharing the Love of Nature

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