Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take for the waystation to be established?
A: The time it takes to establish a waystation varies depending on site specifics, such as soil conditions and the influence of invasive species pre-planting. However, the key to a successful waystation (or any native plant garden for that matter) is a thorough prep job. Fortunately, our team has created a rigorous Guidebook for you to follow step-by-step for establishing a successful waystation!
The general rule of thumb for native plant establishment is 3 years from seed to independent plant. In the first year it sleeps, in the second it creeps, and finally in the third year, it leaps!
Q: Why is it important to use local plants?
A: Our program is just as much about conserving milkweed genetic diversity as it is about supporting monarchs. As such, we need to have a clear seed sourcing policy that ensures that we are supporting local milkweed populations by connecting to them on a genetic basis. This means we require all seeds to be progeny of locally adapted genetics, at least for our Waystations, in isolation from non-local genetics. Seeds also need to be collected with permission.
Q: What about non-local seed sources and the impacts of climate change?
A: Of course, this is where things get more complex. There may be real advantages to carefully introducing non-local genetics to support adaptation over the long term and with climate change. But this needs to be done thoughtfully and carefully, and with some good modelling to say how we should adapt our seed-sourcing guidelines.
Non-source-identified seeds may be from maladapted ranges, or simplified genomes, which can disrupt local populations by introducing deleterious genetics and make the plants less adaptive to changing environments over time. However, carefully selected seeds from regions that are compatible with the predicted future climate of a target area may be greatly beneficial to introduce into the local genetics sooner rather than later.
Q: How do I register my yard as a waystation?
A: You can register your waystation at Monarch Watch to receive an official Certificate of Appreciation and get on the registry to track monarch habitat across North America.
Q: What are some effective ways to deal with invasive species?
A: Invasive species can be challenging to work with because they establish quickly and with rigour. It is also crucial to consider whether the plant is annual, biennial, or perennial because these will change the method of treatment. Annuals and biennials seed rapidly, so it is most effective to remove the plant or cut the flowering head before the plant sets seeds (it is most important to avoid spreading seeds). However, perennials typically have deep taproots and can spread via rhizomes, so removing them manually can take more effort. It is also important to be able to confirm the identification of the plant before removing, as many native plants can have weedy-look-alikes. Finally, if you are uprooting an invasive plant, it is always a good idea to replace the now empty space with a native plant to prevent other weeds from growing in.
Q: The Kootenay Monarch (Swallowtail vs Monarch)
Adult Swallowtail Identification:
7-8cm wingspan. Hindwings have “Tails”. Yellow coloured with bold black stripes.
Adult Monarch Identification:
9-11cm wingspan. Orange coloured, with white spots on edge. Black veins.
Q: What native species should I plant in my garden?
A: While native plants are always a good choice, it is important to select plants that will be well adapted to the environment in your garden. Some plants do better in the shade while others require direct sunlight and ample watering. The general rule of thumb is that native plants take 2-3 years to establish, during this time it is crucial to tend to them as you would with any other plant. You can refer to our Native Plants for Pollinators sheet for a starting point on selecting your plants!