Central New York is set to welcome a remarkable natural event this spring as millions of monarch butterflies begin their annual migration north. These iconic orange-and-black pollinators will make their way from Mexico to various parts of the United States, including Upstate New York.
Millions of Monarch Butterflies Expected in Central New York This Spring
The monarchs typically begin arriving in New York in mid-May and can be seen through mid-October. While their presence is most commonly noted in the Adirondack Mountains, monarch butterflies can also be spotted in urban areas like New York City and in residential neighborhoods across Central New York.
Unfortunately, experts say the monarch population has declined significantly over the last 20 years due to climate change, habitat loss, and pesticide use. But their spring and summer appearance remains a sign of the seasons changing.
Plant Milkweed to Attract Monarch Butterflies to Your Yard
To help support the monarch population and increase the chances of seeing them in your own yard, experts recommend planting milkweed, a critical food source and breeding ground for the butterflies. Multiple varieties of milkweed, including common, purple, and butterfly milkweed, are native to New York and available at local garden centers or online.
The best time to plant milkweed is in the fall, around the first frost. However, spring planting is still possible as long as it takes place after the final frost of the season. Milkweed thrives in full sun or partial shade, making it a low-maintenance addition to gardens and outdoor spaces.
In addition to boosting biodiversity, planting milkweed offers a unique chance to observe monarchs up close throughout their stay in the region. Residents can also visit nearby parks or preserves to spot the butterflies in larger numbers.
15 New York State Observatories To View Space Like The James Webb
NASA and the James Webb Space Telescope have gotten the world excited about space once again. With breathtaking photos from space, it’s safe to assume that we’ve all got a little bit of “Space Fever.” Where can you look at stars across New York State? Where are the top observatories and places to view space?
If you’re looking to look at the stars, these are some of the top places to sit back and relax from Earth to see them. We did the research for you, and we know these are open to the public. Here’s a list of 15 observatories to check out:
Seven Upstate NY Forts and One Epic Military Museum. You Should Go!!
For history lovers and military buffs, there is just so much to see, explore, and re-live in Upstate New York. This gallery focuses on seven historic forts in our Upstate region. PLUS, we have also added the New York State Military Museum in Saratoga. It is incredible!…