2017-08-05 Sat

The US recently released as postage stamp featuring a monarch butterfly pollinating a goldenrod in rural Sangamon County. The picture was taken by State Journal-Register staff photographer Justin L. Fowler. A total of five of monarch butterflies and western honey bees have been depicted on the Protect Pollinators Forever stamp series. The series is dedicated to two important pollinators from North America. Both of which are shown along with native pollinating plants on the stamps.

Officials stated that bees, butterflies and other pollinators are crucial for sustaining the ecosystem. Farming, urban development and illegal logging has threatened the existence of these pollinators. They believe that there is a need to study the effects of agricultural herbicides and pesticides. Long swaths of flowers should be planted near highways. Individuals and groups should be encouraged to plant flowers locally as well.

The picture belongs to a photo essay about monarch butterflies that migrate from Canada and the northern United States to Mexico during winters.