Protecting Milkweed Mile

Floor Speech

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Ms. STEVENS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible efforts of the Thelander and Zarate families, who have spearheaded a conservation and awareness program for thousands of beautiful monarch butterflies that began their lives as caterpillars in Michigan's 11th District before attempting the 2,000-mile migration to central Mexico every year.

A couple of years ago, Maecy Zarate, who was then just 8 years old, petitioned the Highland Township board to establish the Milkweed Mile, a beautiful stretch of land along highway M-59 in Highland Township that provides a sanctuary for monarchs.

Along this stretch of road, which is designated as a no-mow zone, milkweed is left to grow and thrive freely, creating an ideal environment for monarch caterpillars to complete their lifecycle.

Each summer, these conservation efforts culminate in the Highland Monarch Butterfly Festival, an annual celebration of these amazing butterflies, in an effort to raise awareness of this species that has seen their global populations plummet in recent years.

I was honored to visit the Highland Monarch Butterfly Festival in August of 2019, and it was so inspiring to meet young Michiganders passionate about conservation and biodiversity in our great State.

This is also part of the work that we are doing on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, to protect and to promote biodiversity throughout the world.

The Thelander family also tags and releases hundreds of monarchs every year. One butterfly, named Jeronimo, was tracked all the way from Michigan's 11th District to central Mexico last year, beating the odds and completing a grueling 1,900-mile journey over 3 months.

This is significant and symbolic. It is symbolic because of the journey that we are on as a Nation right now in somewhat uncertain and troubling times but with an end goal to reach the other side.

The monarch sanctuary along Milkweed Mile provides a special opportunity for young people to get involved in real conservation efforts right in their backyard. As Maecy says, ``If there's no milkweed, there's no monarchs.''

I look forward to working with monarch lovers all over Michigan to protect Milkweed Mile as a sanctuary for years to come.

I ask this Chamber to join me in recognizing the inspiring efforts of the next generation of conservationists who are making a difference in our community through their passion and dedication for these beautiful butterflies. I could not be more proud of their efforts, and I look forward to learning more about their progress in next year's Highland Township Monarch Festival.

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