They’re Bold, Beautiful, and Headed Straight for New York; Have You Seen One Yet?

They’re Bold, Beautiful, and Headed Straight for New York; Have You Seen One Yet?

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Central New York is set to welcome a remarkable natural event this spring as millions of monarch butterflies begin their annual migration north. These iconic orange-and-black pollinators will make their way from Mexico to various parts of the United States, including Upstate New York.

Millions of Monarch Butterflies Expected in Central New York This Spring

The monarchs typically begin arriving in New York in mid-May and can be seen through mid-October. While their presence is most commonly noted in the Adirondack Mountains, monarch butterflies can also be spotted in urban areas like New York City and in residential neighborhoods across Central New York.

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Unfortunately, experts say the monarch population has declined significantly over the last 20 years due to climate change, habitat loss, and pesticide use. But their spring and summer appearance remains a sign of the seasons changing.

Plant Milkweed to Attract Monarch Butterflies to Your Yard

To help support the monarch population and increase the chances of seeing them in your own yard, experts recommend planting milkweed, a critical food source and breeding ground for the butterflies. Multiple varieties of milkweed, including common, purple, and butterfly milkweed, are native to New York and available at local garden centers or online.

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The best time to plant milkweed is in the fall, around the first frost. However, spring planting is still possible as long as it takes place after the final frost of the season. Milkweed thrives in full sun or partial shade, making it a low-maintenance addition to gardens and outdoor spaces.

Read More: Beaver Missing After Escaping Enclosure at Central New York Zoo

In addition to boosting biodiversity, planting milkweed offers a unique chance to observe monarchs up close throughout their stay in the region. Residents can also visit nearby parks or preserves to spot the butterflies in larger numbers.

For more information on this year’s monarch migration or to view a detailed migration map, visit Monarch Watch.

Expensive Eggs? Fun and Affordable Easter Egg Decorating Ideas

There are plenty of creative, budget-friendly options for traditional egg decorating! From marshmallows and potatoes to wooden eggs and painted rocks, these quirky egg alternatives will keep the holiday festive without the hefty price tag.

Gallery Credit: Canva/TSM

15 New York State Observatories To View Space Like The James Webb

NASA and the James Webb Space Telescope have gotten the world excited about space once again. With breathtaking photos from space, it's safe to assume that we've all got a little bit of "Space Fever." Where can you look at stars across New York State? Where are the top observatories and places to view space?

If you're looking to look at the stars, these are some of the top places to sit back and relax from Earth to see them. We did the research for you, and we know these are open to the public. Here's a list of 15 observatories to check out:

Gallery Credit: Dave Wheeler

Seven Upstate NY Forts and One Epic Military Museum. You Should Go!!

For history lovers and military buffs, there is just so much to see, explore, and re-live in Upstate New York. This gallery focuses on seven historic forts in our Upstate region. PLUS, we have also added the New York State Military Museum in Saratoga. It is incredible!

All are open to the public, and all have an active calendar of events for the public to enjoy. From exhibits, guest speakers, re-enactments, and other special events. These bastions of our democracy have stood the test of time and are ready to welcome a new generation of visitors this year.

The locations of these forts range from the Adirondacks to the western frontier of New York, and everywhere in between. Each fort is described in this gallery with a link to their social media sites so you can prepare a visit with all the directions and data you need. Tens of thousands will visit these historic places this summer and we encourage you to do the same!

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio

Filed Under: summer, spring
Categories: Utica-Rome News, This And That, Summer Fun