Mowing milkweed at Henderson Lake harmful to butterflies

By Lethbridge Herald on July 28, 2022.

Editor:

Does someone in the Lethbridge Parks department really hate butterflies? 

I was saddened when walking in Henderson Lake next to the golf course to see the only patch of showy milkweed mowed down. Actually the only patch of colour outside of the Japanese Garden. 

The whole world must be aware of the plight of Monarch butterflies given all of the news coverage lately. Many stories mention the significant role that milkweeds play in Monarch survival. 

Not just these particular butterflies but many other ones, as well as native bees, and other insect pollinators. So what do we do in Lethbridge? Mow those flowers down! Apparently the entire park should look like the golf course. Is the park’s mandate to have a Marxist all grass, all the same everywhere look. No diversity allowed?

Real nature not wanted – too decadent I suppose flaunting some colour about the place. Or did someone forget to tell the mower operator(s) that there is more to parks than grass and to mow with due diligence.  I know, I know, educating summer staff is expensive and the time is better spent on something else? What I’m not sure of? It is so sad that despite all the media attention, green rhetoric by municipal managers, and what I would assume be common sense (I shudder writing that phrase – given that are schools are apparently not allowed to mention such concepts to students) no one seems really to give “a beaver built structure” anymore. Shame. A real shame.

Henry Komadowski

Lethbridge

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John P Nightingale

2 years ago

Yes , the Monarchs especially, are in severe decline due in part, because of decreasing milkweed food sources. Cutting this plant makes no sense whatsoever.
Over to you, Parks, for an explanation.

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Southern Albertan

2 years ago

Milkweed is actually, a wildflower, not a weed. This:
“Milkweed Plants: Growing Milkweed for Monarchs. Help monarch butterflies while beautifying your garden with this native perennial.”
http://www.gardendesign.com/plants/milkweed.html
The star-shaped milkweed flowers are gorgeous.

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