Walk With Me-Watch The Park Bloom: Part 2

This is Part 2 of "Walk With Me-Watch The Park Bloom." Part One can be found HERE.

After my first walk in this park last spring and not having the time to see all of it, I went back a month later which was in the middle of June. This is the entrance which I did not have photos of in part one.

After the cement walk, you walk on this boardwalk.

This is a Sycamore tree and a close-up of the leaves.

Walking around the bend, I was so excited when I saw this sign and what was behind the sign. A beautiful Monarch Butterfly Waystation! This is the first one I have seen.

These waystations help to replace the natural resources of nectar that have been lost due to the use of pesticides and land development, not only for Monarchs but for other species of butterflies as well. Most importantly, the monarch population was dwindling and something needed to be done to save them. In the fall, monarchs migrate over 3,000 miles to Mexico where they spend the winter. Before migration, they need to feed on nectar from flowers to give them the energy needed to make their long trip. And when they return the following spring, they need to make nectar stops to get to their final destination. Many waystations are now found in different states to help keep the monarchs alive.

Many of the Monarch's favorite plants are in this waystation. Below, you will find the orange buds of Butterfly Weed.

Below, you will find the mauve colored buds of Joe Pye Weed.

The rest of these plants either have blooms just beginning or none at all yet.

This is a different view of the waystation. Isn't it gorgeous?

Thanks for walking with me and stay tuned for Part 3.

#walkwithme by @lyndsaybowes

Image Source: All photos are my own.