An infusion of native wildflower and milkweed know-how is headed to northeastern Oklahoma in September. The Oklahoma Monarch Society will host the Native Plant & Pollinator Party, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m., September 13 at Floyd H. Norris Park, 400 N. Muskogee Dr., in Tahlequah. Native plant vendors and experts are heading northeast to share advice on the importance of Oklahoma for monarchs and how you can help support their migration.

“Over time, we've mapped areas of Oklahoma that lack pollinator habitat and access to native plant vendors,” said Oklahoma Monarch Society Executive Director Katie Hawk. “Through these regional events, we partner with growers to bring wildflowers and milkweed to underserved communities while increasing awareness about monarchs and other native pollinators.”

Hawk said northeastern Oklahoma plays a critical role in the monarch butterfly migration, providing essential habitat for both spring and fall travelers. She added the festival gives residents a rare chance to purchase native plants locally and learn how to create habitat that supports declining pollinator populations.

“Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from experts why creating habitat for monarchs is important and how their actions can help,” she said. “We hope these events inspire people across Oklahoma to create pollinator habitats and reduce harm from pesticides and herbicides.”

Native Plant & Pollinator Party!

The event will include activities, native plant vendors and booths from organizations such as the Oklahoma Biological Survey, WildCare Oklahoma and Monarch Watch. Attendees can receive expert advice and purchase hard-to-find plants, while the first 100 visitors at the Okies for Monarchs booth will receive a free milkweed plant and wildflower seed packet.

Visitors will enjoy interactive experiences including:

• Shop native plants from Oklahoma vendors, All Tomorrow’s Prairies and Life-Affirming Farm
• Grab FREE* starter milkweed plants and wildflower seed packets from Okies for Monarchs
• Enjoy hands-on activities for all ages with WildCare Oklahoma, Oklahoma Biological Survey and Grow With Trees
• Purchase monarch merchandise, habitat signs and nature books from Okies for Monarchs, Oklahoma Native Plant Network and Oklahoma Native Plant Society.
• Discover community science with Monarch Watch and learn how you can help track and conserve monarch butterflies.
• Ask questions and learn from local experts through presentations on monarchs, native plant gardening and ways you can help protect monarchs.
• Learn how healthy habitats support wildlife from local conservation organizations.

Participants and partners include:

• Okies for Monarchs
• All Tomorrow’s Prairies
• Grow With Trees
• Life-Affirming Farm
• Monarch Watch
• Oklahoma Biological Survey
• Oklahoma Native Plant Network
• Oklahoma Native Plant Society
• Tulsa Audubon Society
• WildCare Oklahoma

Learn more about the event by visiting: https://okiesformonarchs.org/events/tahlequah

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