by Trey Lamkins, Landscape Operations, Kimmel Education and Research Center
NEBRASKA CITY — Yesterday I spotted three more Monarch caterpillars in the pollinator habitat at the Kimmel Education and Research Center, bringing this summer’s total to five.
As someone who recently graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a degree in Plant and Landscape Systems, I’ve spent the last four years studying and designing landscapes that support pollinators. But even with all that education and experience, this is my first summer actually finding Monarch caterpillars in a landscape!
At 22, I’ve focused much of my work on community-based and educational landscapes, particularly those that provide critical habitat for pollinators. Seeing these Monarch caterpillars reinforces how impactful these spaces can be, not just for the wildlife they support, but also for the people who get to experience them.
The Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), known for its extraordinary migration, depends on milkweed during its larval stage and benefits from diverse, native flowering plants. Moments like today remind me why planting for pollinators matters so much and why I’m excited to keep watching this garden grow.
I’ll continue to monitor the beds the rest of the summer and am hopeful that even more monarchs will make an appearance in the weeks ahead.
Come visit the Kimmel Education and Research Center in Nebraska City to explore our Double-Certified Nebraska Pollinator Habitat and Monarch Waystation.
Learn more about Common Milkweed on our Plant Profiles Page!
