Palatine Township Helps Eagle Scout Save Monarch Butterflies

The Monarch Butterfly is one of the most recognizable butterflies with their orange, black and white wings. Many people may not be aware that the population of these winged creatures has declined 90% over the last few years. With that knowledge, Eagle Scout Jack Benzo from Palatine Troop 182, approached Palatine Township with a project to help save the Monarch.

Eagle Scout Benzo's 'Butterfly Garden' project was presented to the Township Board during their May 26, 2015 meeting, and was unanimously approved as a worthwhile community endeavor. Over several weeks, and with help from more than a dozen Scouts and community volunteers, a safe haven for the Monarch Butterfly was created on the Palatine Township grounds.

Research on the Monarch Butterfly made Eagle Scout Benzo aware that when the Monarchs travel back to North America from their winter habitat in Mexico, they follow a well-marked trail. On their long journey these creatures search for the main staple of their diet, the leaves of Milkweed plants. The Monarchs lay their eggs on the plants so their baby caterpillars will have a food source from the moment they hatch.

The Butterfly Garden created by Eagle Scout Benzo not only includes Milkweed plants, but many other native plants that provide nectar for the adult Monarchs. The goal of his careful planning and research was, and is, to help increase the Monarch population.

Eagle Scout Jack Benzo's Butterfly Garden and native plant project has been fully recognized by the Monarch Watch Organization. Through Palatine Township's participation by providing a home to the project, the Township been designated a Monarch Way Station and Safe Haven for butterflies.

Palatine Township is proud to be the home of this Eagle Scout project.

~Written by Terry Kelly, Palatine Township Assessor

About Palatine Township:

Palatine Township provides numerous services and events for its 113,000 residents, and supports 26 social services agencies located within its boundaries. The Township is one of the most heavily populated in Illinois, with a goal to enhance and improve the quality of life for all of its residents. Bordered by Lake Cook Road, Huntington Road, Central Road and Wilke Road, residents living in all or part of the following communities are part of Palatine Township: Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Inverness, Arlington Heights, Hoffman Estates, Barrington, South Barrington and Schaumburg.