April 21, 2021
Native Plant Walk
Marker for ATS
Pear Tree off the Red Trail
Bluebells along the Rock Wall
Monarch Caterpillar

Catherine Boston
Tana Herndon pointed out to me this monarch caterpillar munching on some common milkweed in the pollinator garden a few days ago. This is the first monarch caterpillar that I have seen this spring. I am always happy to see them and also a bit amazed. Even though I have known of the epic journey of the monarch butterflies to and from Mexico for a long time, it doesn't make me marvel any less when the new generation of caterpillars hatch out here in the spring. These insects are wonderful ambassadors for the natural world--from the jaunty stripes of the caterpillar to the beautiful coloring of the butterfly's wings to the majestic gold of the chrysalis (which always makes me feel as if I have just found a treasure)--it is hard not to fall in love with them.