Formatting necessary for an accurate reading of this text may be shown by tags (e.g., <DELETED> or <BOLD>) or may be missing from this TXT display. For complete and accurate display of this text, see the PDF.
[Page H4388]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
PROTECTING MILKWEED MILE
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from
Michigan (Ms. Stevens) for 5 minutes.
Ms. STEVENS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible
efforts of the Thelander and Zarate families, who have spearheaded a
conservation and awareness program for thousands of beautiful monarch
butterflies that began their lives as caterpillars in Michigan's 11th
District before attempting the 2,000-mile migration to central Mexico
every year.
A couple of years ago, Maecy Zarate, who was then just 8 years old,
petitioned the Highland Township board to establish the Milkweed Mile,
a beautiful stretch of land along highway M-59 in Highland Township
that provides a sanctuary for monarchs.
Along this stretch of road, which is designated as a no-mow zone,
milkweed is left to grow and thrive freely, creating an ideal
environment for monarch caterpillars to complete their lifecycle.
Each summer, these conservation efforts culminate in the Highland
Monarch Butterfly Festival, an annual celebration of these amazing
butterflies, in an effort to raise awareness of this species that has
seen their global populations plummet in recent years.
I was honored to visit the Highland Monarch Butterfly Festival in
August of 2019, and it was so inspiring to meet young Michiganders
passionate about conservation and biodiversity in our great State.
This is also part of the work that we are doing on the House Science,
Space, and Technology Committee, to protect and to promote biodiversity
throughout the world.
The Thelander family also tags and releases hundreds of monarchs
every year. One butterfly, named Jeronimo, was tracked all the way from
Michigan's 11th District to central Mexico last year, beating the odds
and completing a grueling 1,900-mile journey over 3 months.
This is significant and symbolic. It is symbolic because of the
journey that we are on as a Nation right now in somewhat uncertain and
troubling times but with an end goal to reach the other side.
The monarch sanctuary along Milkweed Mile provides a special
opportunity for young people to get involved in real conservation
efforts right in their backyard. As Maecy says, ``If there's no
milkweed, there's no monarchs.''
I look forward to working with monarch lovers all over Michigan to
protect Milkweed Mile as a sanctuary for years to come.
I ask this Chamber to join me in recognizing the inspiring efforts of
the next generation of conservationists who are making a difference in
our community through their passion and dedication for these beautiful
butterflies. I could not be more proud of their efforts, and I look
forward to learning more about their progress in next year's Highland
Township Monarch Festival.
____________________