The endangered population of Monarch Butterflies got a boost this summer in Winkler.
The Winkler Butterfly Garden continues to be a safe haven for the winged insects. Organizer Martha Bergman and her volunteers take the Monarch eggs and chrysalis laid in the gardens and harbour them indoors before releasing them again at the appropriate time.
Bergman says their efforts protect the vulnerable insects from predators.
"The dream behind this garden was to become a safe sanctuary for the Monarch butterfly... their numbers are dwindling and so it's a dream I've had for many years already," Bergman explains.
She notes the butterflies released this summer are considered the 5th generation in the Monarch's migration cycle; these same insects released this summer will fly across the continent to Mexico before laying eggs. Their children will make their way partway north through the U.S before laying eggs and dying. The pattern continues to the third generation before the fourth generation arrives back in Canada.
"When you think these fragile little wings can fly that distance it's pretty amazing," Bergman says. "... to help them become strong butterflies over here before they leave is something we can do for them."
When the Winkler Butterfly Garden was opened last year it was one of only a handful in the province. Since then Bergman notes more have cropped up in a number of communities.