Southeast OK event promises monarch, milkweed infusion

September 29, 2025

Crowds shopping for native plants at an Okies for Monarchs event.

BY KELLY BOSTIAN

An infusion of native wildflower and milkweed know-how is headed to Southeast Oklahoma near Durant this October. Oklahoma Monarch Society and Oklahoma Gas & Electric Company (OG&E) are teaming up to host the Native Plant & Pollinator Party, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m., October 11 at the Choctaw Cultural Center, 1919 Hina Hanta Way in Calera. Native plant vendors and experts are heading west to share advice on backyard or out-on-the-ranch habitats and native plantings.

Timed to coincide with the fall monarch migration, the event will feature native plant vendors, educational booths, family-friendly activities, and expert advice on creating pollinator habitats in backyards, ranchlands, and community spaces.

Why Southeast Oklahoma Matters for Monarchs

As monarchs make their fall journey from summer breeding grounds in the northern U.S. and Canada to their overwintering sites in Mexico, southeast Oklahoma becomes a critical stopover. The region provides essential late-season nectar sources, allowing the butterflies to fuel up and build fat reserves needed to survive the long flight and sustain themselves during overwintering.

Equally important is the spring migration, when monarchs return north through Oklahoma in search of both nectar for energy and milkweed for reproduction. Supporting monarchs in both seasons is key to sustaining their populations.

Reaching Underserved Areas with Native Plants

“Over time, we've conducted research and habitat mapping to identify areas in Oklahoma that are underserved when it comes to access to native plants and pollinator education,” said Katie Hawk, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Monarch Society. “These regional events let us bring wildflowers and milkweed directly to those communities, while also growing awareness about the monarch butterfly and the role pollinators play in our food systems and ecosystems.”

Hawk said southeast Oklahoma, like many rural regions, plays a vital role in the monarchs’ migratory pathway but often lacks native plant vendors.

“This event is an opportunity for nature lovers to take home plants they can’t typically find locally, learn how to build pollinator habitat, and understand how even small gardens can have a big impact,” she said. “We hope the Native Plant & Pollinator Party will inspire individuals, families, schools, municipalities, and businesses to get involved in supporting monarchs and reducing harmful practices like pesticide and herbicide use.”

A Powerful Partnership with OG&E

Hawk said OG&E is a long-time partner in the statewide consortium of companies, agencies, and other groups in the state’s pollinator initiative.

“They have been a partner of our efforts for several years and a tremendous resource in our interest to learn about managing rights-of-way for pollinators,” she said. “We both have a vested interest in seeing native pollinators thrive and in supporting our local communities. Because of their support, we can get our message to more Oklahomans and plant a path for pollinators through our great state,” she said.

"Everyone has a role to play in caring for the environment, and we're driving change through collaborative efforts with our partners," said Kelli Hayward Walsh, Community Outreach and Engagement Manager for OG&E. “Our partnership with Okies for Monarchs supports sustainability by focusing on conservation, creating pollinator-friendly spaces, and raising awareness about their importance in the ecosystem.”

What Visitors Can Do at the Pollinator Party

The event is free, open to the public, and family-friendly, with activities for children, educational presentations, shopping, and more.

Adults can have all their questions answered and purchase plants not easily found and participate in a variety of activities with our partners. Hawk said the first 150 people to sign up at the Okies for Monarchs booth will receive a free milkweed plant and seed packet.

Visitors will enjoy interactive experiences like:

  • Identifying native grasses and purchasing native seeds from Johnston Seed Company.
  • Enjoy engaging youth activities with OG&E, Oklahoma State Parks and the Boggy Depot Quail Forever Chapter.
  • Shopping for native plants from Oklahoma Native Plant Network Vendors, Sanctuary Gardens and Mann’s Greenhouses.
  • Participate in the Tallgrass Prairie Bioblitz hosted by the Oklahoma Biological Survey & Choctaw Cultural Center.
  • Attend learning sessions: Why is Oklahoma so Important for Monarchs, What to Plant and How to Build, and Milkweed & Mythbusters.
  • Visit the beautiful Choctaw Cultural Center to explore rich Native heritage and enjoy a delicious meal at the Champuli Cafe.

Participants and partners include:

  • OG&E
  • Okies for Monarchs
  • Choctaw Nation
  • Choctaw Cultural Center
  • Oklahoma Biological Survey
  • Oklahoma State Parks
  • Johnston Seed Company
  • Sanctuary Gardens
  • Mann’s Greenhouses
  • Oklahoma Native Plant Network
  • Boggy Depot Quail Forever Chapter
  • Bryan Conservation District

Learn more about this event by visiting: https://okiesformonarchs.org/events/durant-ok/

Download images: Native Plant & Pollinator Party Press Images