Northwest OK event promises monarch, milkweed infusion

May 5, 2025

Attendees shop for native plants @ Katie Hawk/OMS

BY KELLY BOSTIAN

An infusion of native wildflower and milkweed know-how is headed to Northwest Oklahoma in May. Oklahoma Monarch Society and Oklahoma Gas & Electric Company (OG&E)  are teaming up to host the Pollinator Party in the Park, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., May 31 at Crystal Beach Park & Lake, 108 Temple Houston Dr., in Woodward. Native plant vendors and experts are heading west to share advice on backyard or out-on-the-ranch habitats and native plantings.

“Initiatives like the Pollinator Party in the Park align with our commitment to protecting the environment and fostering a deeper appreciation for pollinators by highlighting the crucial role they play in our ecosystem,” said Kelli Hayward Walsh, Community Outreach and Engagement Manager for OG&E.“ We are excited to join forces with Okies for Monarchs to create a lasting impact that benefits both local wildlife and the communities we serve.

”As monarchs migrate between summer habitat in the north-central United States and overwintering grounds in Mexico, northwest Oklahoma is a key location for spring migrants in need of milkweed for reproduction, and autumn migrants that can suffer from lack of blooms and nectar needed to fuel their trip and retain fat stores to carry them through the winter.“

Over time, we've done research and data mapping to determine what areas of Oklahoma need more pollinator habitat and lack access to native plant vendors,” said Oklahoma Monarch Society Executive Director Katie Hawk. “Through these regional events, we can team up with local native plant growers to bring wildflowers and milkweed to parts of the state that do not have any vendors. At the same time, we can increase awareness about the monarch butterfly and other native pollinators to communities located within the monarchs' migratory pathway.” Hawk said the event is a chance for nature lovers to take home and garden with native plants they otherwise could not purchase locally. “They will also have the opportunity to learn from experts why creating habitat for the monarch butterfly is important and how their actions will help save their populations from further decline,” she said.“

Everyone has a role to play in caring for the environment, and our commitment shines through in the collaborative efforts we undertake with our partners,” Walsh said. “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.”

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.

The event is free and open to the public, and family friendly, with activities for children, food vendors, and more, she said. Visitors can also stop by the OG&E Vegetation Station booth, as well as check out Alabaster Caverns’ bat trailer! Adults can have all their questions answered and purchase plants not easily found, while the kids can make seed balls and enjoy other activities.Hawk said the first 150 people to sign up at the Okies for Monarchs booth will receive a free native plant and seed packet. Learning sessions include a “Monarchs 101” presentation from Okies for Monarchs, a session on planting and building habitat dos and don’ts with ODOT Natural Resources Program Biologist Vonceil Harmon, and Prairie Wind Nursery owner Bill Farris with myth-bust milkweeds from A to Z.

“We hope these events will inspire individuals, municipalities, businesses, organizations, clubs, schools, and more to take action and create pollinator habitats and reduce harm by not utilizing pesticides/herbicides,” Hawk said.

Visitors will enjoy interactive experiences like:

  • The Alabaster Caverns’ Bat Trailer from Oklahoma State Parks
  • Activities such as making seed balls, crafting “Pocket Garden” necklaces and creating custom buttons.
  • Shopping for native plants from Oklahoma Native Plant Vendors, Prairie Wind Nursery and Sanctuary Gardens
  • Purchasing native seeds from Johnston Seed Company
  • Browsing and buying local art from Amber Andersen Art and Larry K Hill Studios

Participants and partners include:

  • Okies for Monarchs
  • OG&E
  • Oklahoma Department of Transportation Natural Resources Program
  • Oklahoma Local Agriculture Collaborative
  • Prairie Wind Nursery
  • Sanctuary Gardens
  • Johnston Seed Company
  • Oklahoma Native Plant Society
  • Oklahoma Native Plant Network
  • Oklahoma State Parks
  • Amber Andersen Art
  • Larry K Hill Studios
  • Food options will include burgers, wraps, sandwiches and snow cones, available for purchase throughout the event.

Learn more about the event by visiting: https://okiesformonarchs.org/events/woodward-ok

Learn more at the Oklahoma Monarch Society’s education and outreach initiative at okiesformonarchs.org.

The Oklahoma Monarch Society is a nonprofit consortium of more than 60 organizations, agencies, municipalities, and businesses across Oklahoma.

Contact: sleland@okmonarchsociety.org