Monarchs Across Georgia recently certified the garden of Lou and Chris Faisst of Peachtree City after they met the requirement of planting for pollinators such as butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, beetles, and moths.

The Monarchs Across Georgia’s Pollinator Habitat Certification Program was initiated in the fall of 2005 in an effort to promote conservation, the restoration of native plants, and to provide citizens an opportunity to reconnect with the natural environment. MAG has been engaging schools and families in learning experiences involving monarchs and other native butterflies for over seven years. With the decline of the monarch caterpillar’s only host plant, milkweed, the group decided to create the certification program as a way to further encourage gardeners to incorporate milkweed into their landscapes.

Other habitat requirements that the group had to meet included providing additional caterpillar and adult pollinator nectar food sources, water and basking sites, and some type of shelter with choices ranging from dense shrubs, logs or brush piles. “They have successfully demonstrated their commitment to environmental stewardship and increasing native diversity for all pollinators,” stated MAG chair Michael O’Shield.

Whether you are limited to a small patio, or have an acre of land, Monarchs Across Georgia would like to also acknowledge your efforts in welcoming not only butterflies, but other pollinators to your garden too. All certified gardens are eligible to order a “Monarchs Across Georgia Certified Pollinator Habitat” sign.

For more information on how your can have your backyard, schoolyard, workplace, or place of worship certified, visit www.monarchsacrossga.org.

Monarchs Across Georgia is an initiative of the Environmental Education Alliance of Georgia, www.eealliance.org.