National Monarch Waystation at the Y

The Wood River Community YMCA has become to a certified national monarch waystation.

Through collaboration between the GATE students at Hemingway STEAM School and the Wood River Y, pollinator plants were planted on the west side of the YMCA. Milkweed was grown and then transplanted in June for the monarch caterpillars to eat. Other perennials and annuals were also added to the space for a pollinator paradise.

In September, the signs were put up to recognize the space. This space can be utilized to track monarchs and provide an educational tool for students to learn about monarchs and their migration through North America.

We are very excited to continue to fill this space with more flowers and milkweed next season!