by Trey Lamkins, Landscape Operations, Kimmel Education and Research Center
We’re thrilled to share that Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard is now officially certified as a Monarch Waystation through Monarch Watch! This national designation recognizes our commitment to providing critical habitat for one of North America’s most iconic pollinators, the Monarch butterfly.
Even more exciting? Our site is the first-ever certified Monarch Waystation in Otoe County, Nebraska, and one of just 10 registered in the entire state so far in 2025! It’s a proud moment not just for our team, but for our region’s role in the broader Monarch conservation movement.
As if on cue, an adult Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) was spotted fluttering through our Certified Nebraska Pollinator Habitat this week. I was able to capture a photo of the butterfly feeding on Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) blooms and log the sighting with Journey North.
Then yesterday morning brought anther exciting moment when I spotted our first Monarch caterpillar of the season. While tidying up a bed, I spotted the striped caterpillar munching on a milkweed leaf and snapped a photo to document this sighting as well.
These sightings aren’t just heartwarming, they’re hopeful signs that this space is truly making a difference. Each Monarch we see reminds us of the importance of preserving and creating pollinator-friendly landscapes.
Want to learn more? Check out our other post: “Meet the Monarch: Migration, Milkweed, and Why It Matters”
Get Involved: Join Us This July!
Pollinator Workshop | July 16th | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard
Join us to learn how to support pollinators, select native plants, and create thriving habitat in your own backyard. The workshop will feature educational sessions, youth activities, and a UNL Bee tour. Perfect for families, educators, gardeners, and anyone who care about conservation.
Register here: Pollinator Workshop RSVP
Key Sources:
Nebraska-Specific Resources
- Nebraska Game & Parks – Monarch Life Cycle & Natural History
- Nebraska Game & Parks – Monarch Butterfly Overview
- Nebraska Monarch & Pollinator Conservation Plan
- Nebraska Monarchs – Local outreach, data, and habitat support
- Nebraska’s Institute of Agriculture & Natural Resources – Pollinator Habitat (UNL)
Monarch Biology & Migration
- Journey North – Track migration sightings and seasonal updates
- Monarch Watch – Monarch tagging, Waystation info, and citizen science
- National Wildlife Federation – Monarch Guide
- World Wildlife Fund – Monarch Species Profile
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service – Save Monarchs
Pollinator Habitat & Gardening
- Xerces Society – Monarch Conservation
- USDA NRCS – Monarch Butterfly Programs
- Monarch Joint Venture – Partnerships and habitat restoration tools