We are thrilled to announce the mailing of 5,000 packets of native milkweed seeds to SC residents, thus completing the 2023 Milkweed for Monarchs Project! We were able to send these packets completely free of charge thanks to the sponsorship of Wells Fargo. This project was a huge success due to the statewide support of South Carolina residents and the dedicated volunteers who gave their time and expertise to hand-mix seeds and prepare each packet for mailing.

This is the eighth year that the SC Wildlife Federation (SCWF) has completed this project, which is vital for the survival of monarch butterflies. Over the past twenty years, there has been a sharp decline in the monarch butterfly population along their normal migration routes from Canada to Mexico. In fact, these important pollinators have dwindled by almost 97 percent. Native milkweed plants, however, are the key to helping these beautiful butterflies continue to thrive in North America.

SCWF was able to assist in increasing crucial habitat for our fluttering friends by distributing over 5,000 milkweed packets throughout the state! Native milkweed seed varieties were purchased in bulk from Ernst Conservation Seeds, then packaged and shipped by SCWF staff and generous volunteers. These seed packets were paired with informational cards that SCWF created for recipients to learn how to successfully raise the plants, how essential the plant is to the monarch species, and additional steps to take to certify their yards as a Certified Wildlife Habitat. Read more about how to certify your yard on our habitat page, or contact Savannah Jordan at savannah@scwf.org.

South Carolina residents were excited by the opportunity to support the butterflies, and it showed through their participation. In addition to requests from individuals, SCWF also distibuted over 700 seed packets to schools, garden clubs, and other organizations in the state. We received several comments from SC residents who wanted to do “their part” to help monarchs. This energized support from those who requested the seeds is part of what made this project so successful! We also asked recipients to consider donating to offset program costs, and many of you did. Thank you!

Because of this project, thousands of migrating monarchs will now have places to lay their eggs and food for their caterpillars before they become butterflies and begin their journey to Central Mexico. Hopefully, we will see an increase in monarchs in the coming years! This program also allows SCWF to educate, advocate, and build our network with new supporters by connecting them with the wildlife in their own backyards. We’ve already received requested for next spring’s distibution, and we can’t wait to build upon the success of this year’s project.

Although monarchs need native milkweed to survive, it can be hard to capture a picture of them on it! These beautiful photographs were all entered in SCWF’s annual photo contest. Image Credits from L to R: Monarch butterfly by Candy Jones; Monarch butterfly on lantana by Joanne Wuori, and Monarch butterfly on a zinnia by Janie Sigmon.

Thank you to the many volunteers who helped with this project, especially the members of Omega Phi Alpha and Tami Kyre.

Banner Image Credit: Monarch butterfly by Teri Carter.