A message from Marana Parks and Recreation Department.
Have you stopped by the El Rio Preserve recently? We have special guests in our pollinator garden!
Queen butterflies are out in the hundreds. They are stunningly colorful butterflies and, due to their similar size and color, can be difficult to tell apart from their cousins, the Monarch butterfly. They also have similarities in color with the Viceroy and Solider butterflies.
Some other guests at the El Rio Preserve include the Gulf Fritillary butterflies. If you are lucky, you can see them emerge from their chrysalis! They are another brightly colored orange butterfly common across extreme southern portions of the United States. The Gulf Fritillary butterflies are known as “passion butterflies” because of their preference for the passionflower. Nearby residents have planted passionflower in close proximity to the preserve, so the loop path is a hotspot for spotting these insects.
Check out the gallery below for photos of the array of butterflies and caterpillars making the El Rio Preserve their home.
We are looking forward to the Monarch Butterfly Migration, which begins as early as September and will continue through mid-November in the desert southwest. Arizona is a popular breeding ground because we are home to the second-largest number of Milkweed plants in the United States. Milkweed is the only plant the Monarch butterflies will lay their eggs on! Monarchs usually feed on Milkweed in bloom, but they also favor the nectar of other flowers when they are breeding. The Monarch offspring then join the main migration in early October to southern California or Mexico.
Many of these pollinator species, especially the Monarch butterflies, are declining in numbers due to habitat loss or fragmentation, pesticides, climate change, invasive species, and diseases. You can help pollinators by planting a variety of native, drought-tolerant pollinator plants, avoiding or reducing pesticide use, buy locally-grown, organic food, or installing a bird box or a bee nesting block!
Come visit the El Rio Preserve at 10190 N. Coachline Blvd in the morning or early evening to catch a glimpse of these beautiful insects, walk the loop path or enjoy the views from our observation deck.
In the future, Marana Parks & Recreation Department plans to partner with MUSD, the Audubon Society, the Department of Forestry, and the Sonoran Institute, among others, to host environmental education programming at El Rio for our local schools and community. When you visit, you’ll see that this area is perfect for an outdoor classroom! Keep an eye out for new programming coming soon to the El Rio Preserve!
