Lake Nokomis hosts super send-off for monarchs

Photos by JILL BOOGREN

Thousands of people came to the Monarch Festival-Festival de la Monarca at Lake Nokomis in September to celebrate the mighty monarchs beginning their 2,300-mile journey from Minnesota to Mexico for the winter. Festivities included music, dancing, art, poetry, games and other opportunities to learn about the life cycle and migration of these magnificent little creatures.

Photo left: Maya (left) and Kai Riedner pose for photos.

Photo right: (from left) Festival volunteers Sheila Heskin, Steve Plachinsky, and Monica Romero explain the value of composting organics for monarchs: Composting returns nutrients to the soil, which in turn grows milkweed and other plants the butterflies need to survive. “Healthy plants equals healthy monarchs,” said Romero. To sign up for free curbside organics pickup, residents can contact Solid Waste and Recycling at 612-673-2917.

Photo left: Maisie and her person Cora Freeman sport their wings while in line for La Loma tamales.

Photo right: A poem by Sofia hangs at Poetry Mobile.

Photo left: Erica Pizarro (left) and Anayli Remarche volunteer as hosts of Monarch Jeopardy. Question: How many monarchs do scientists believe migrate south in winter? Answer: 50 million

Photo right: Tara Fahey (left) and Nicole Amaris of Chicks on Sticks bring butterfly love to new heights.