Monarch butterfly migration is starting, and they need our help.

Monarch butterflies are starting their epic journey to their wintering grounds in California and Mexico — but this miracle of nature could disappear soon if we don’t act.

Habitat loss, pesticides and climate change have decimated the monarch butterfly. Since the 1980s, the western monarch butterfly population has declined by more than 90% and the eastern monarch population declined by 80%.

We need to create more habitat for monarch butterflies by planting their favorite species: native wildflowers that fuel the adults’ flight with nectar, and milkweed to nourish their young. One of the best places to do this is along America’s roadways. There are more than 10 million acres of roadside that could be perfect pollinator habitat — helping monarchs on their journey while beautifying our own.

That’s the purpose of the Monarch and Pollinator Highway Program, which we helped to create in 2021. This program needs funding to get plants in the ground. We’re calling on Congress to provide $3 million for the Monarch and Pollinator Highway Program and create habitat for monarch butterflies.

It’s not just the monarch butterfly who will benefit. The Monarch and Pollinator Highway Program can transform our roadsides into a green oasis filled with wildflowers and other native vegetation that support the health of bees, songbirds and other wildlife.

Let’s help bees and butterflies thrive by telling Congress to fund the Monarch and Pollinator Highway Program.