Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency is providing free pollinator seed packages to customers in its member communities.
The seed packages are part of an effort to create habitat for monarch butterflies and other pollinators. Loss of habitat has resulted in an estimated 90 percent reduction in the eastern U.S. population of the iconic butterfly.
"This is the second phase of our effort this summer and a way to invite members of the public to join in this effort by establishing their own "monarch way stations," said Chris Schoenherr, SMMPA's director of Agency and Government Relations
SMMPA and its members recently completed planting 29 monarch way stations in 14 communities. Providing the free seed packages will help individuals within the community join the effort. Each package will contain milkweed and nectar plant seeds and instructions for creating an attractive pollinator habitat in your yard or garden. Each seed package will cover a 36-square-foot area. Minnesota Department of Agriculture brochures on creating a pollinator habitat also are available at the utility office.
Participating SMMPA member communities include Austin, Blooming Prairie, Fairmont, Grand Marais, Lake City, Litchfield, Mora, New Prague, North Branch, Owatonna, Preston, Princeton, Rochester, Spring Valley, Saint Peter, Waseca and Wells.
