The Brian Lehrer Show Helping Monarch Butterflies Thrive in NYC
Sep 11, 2025
In this lively conversation, Benji Jones, senior environmental correspondent at Vox, shines a light on the migration of monarch butterflies and their endangered status. He discusses the vital role of urban gardens in supporting these iconic insects. The episode also dives into the challenges monarchs face while journeying from Canada to Mexico, emphasizing the importance of milkweed. Additionally, Benji shares practical tips on creating native gardens and the impact of chemicals on these butterflies, highlighting the significance of nurturing local ecosystems.
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Intergenerational Marathon Migration
- Monarchs east of the Rockies migrate to a single forest in central Mexico to overwinter.
- Spring migration back north occurs over multiple generations like an intergenerational relay race.
Overwintering Acreage Reveals Decline
- Scientists estimate monarch numbers by measuring the acreage they occupy in Mexican overwintering forests.
- Occupied acreage plunged from about 21 acres historically to 4.4 acres recently, signaling a dramatic decline.
Habitat Loss Drives Population Drops
- Loss of breeding habitat, especially milkweed decline, is a major driver of monarch population drops.
- The spread of glyphosate-resistant crops removed hundreds of millions of milkweed stems in the Midwest.