Naturalist discusses how to save endangered butterfly habitat

A discussion on the threats to our local butterfly population brought the community together tonight. Habitat loss, climate change, and pesticides were some of the leading factors discussed. Tonight at the West Springfield Public Library, the public learned how to encourage butterflies into their yard. Butterflies, like the monarch, are now considered endangered species, and many others are still at risk. A naturalist told 22 News, putting a pollinator garden in your lawn is one way to help butterflies, and use of native plants that are organically grown. When people want to plant butterfly gardens, it's important to plant not only the food for the butterfly, but the food for the caterpillar as well. But no question, pesticides and herbicides together have been catastrophic for our butterflies. According to state data, over 40 butterflies and moths are threatened, while the black swallowtail, the state butterfly of Massachusetts, is not considered endangered.