Library Joins Monarch Migration Efforts

On Tuesday, May 19, the Northbrook Public Library joined the Northbrook Garden Club's efforts to make Northbrook a monarch migration hot spot. Thanks to the efforts of Dale Duda and Donna Marchand, the Library now has new milkweed seedlings taking root along its northern edge.

"That's Northbrook!" exclaimed Duda as she dug into the town's notoriously clay-like soil and placed the milkweed in the ground.

Milkweed is a native prairie plant that provides food and protection for monarch caterpillars, but it is often mistaken for a weed by gardeners who don't recognize its appearance. Milkweed is an adaptive plant, but it has not evolved to survive human intervention, says Duda, so the plant's numbers are dwindling.

But that isn't stopping Duda. Since the Village's April 14 proclamation of support, Duda noted that the milkweed planting efforts have been taking off, and that people have been coming up with more and more ways to plant milkweed.

"Even the little patches [of milkweed] will make a difference," said Duda. "It's the simple things that help."

The Library's new milkweed seedlings aren't the only way it plans to show support for the monarch project. During the month of May, patrons to the Library can view monarch-themed book displays in the Reference and Youth Services departments, and children will also find a monarch-themed craft.

While Duda hopes the seedlings will spread throughout the wall on the north side of the Library, there's something else she hopes to see even more: chomp marks.

"Seeing the chomp marks in the leaves is a good thing. It means the caterpillars are feeding," said Duda.

The Northbrook Public Library is located at 1201 Cedar Lane. For more information on upcoming programs and events, please visit www.northbrook.info.