History of the Monarch Waystation

History of Monarch Waystation

It all began In the spring of 2022 when several High Desert Chapter Idaho Master Naturalists were presented with an opportunity through Idaho Fish and Game’s habitat program to start a pollinator garden at Fish and Game’s Edson Fichter Nature Area (EFNA). A place was chosen, and stakes were pounded in the ground to mark the area intended for planting. The soil was prepped and a large mound of mulch was piled near the bridge. Plants were put in the ground and tended all summer. By September of that year it was official: EFNA now had a certified Monarch Waystation. 

Monarch Waystations (part of a conservation initiative run by Monarch Watch) are gardens that support monarch butterflies by providing the resources these special pollinators need throughout their lifecycle, from egg to adult. To be certified the area must be of a suitable size, have adequate sun exposure, good drainage and soil type, shelter-plants relatively close together, milkweed plants, nectar plants, and a plan to sustain the waystation. Our work met these requirements! 

By the fall large decorative boulders were placed, Monarch Waystation signage was added, and the garden was also recognized as a Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust Habitat Haven project. This pollinator garden is and will likely always be a work in progress. Many more plants have been added since that first year. The perimeter of the garden was expanded, invasive weeds and grasses dug, plants thinned, mulch added— everything necessary to make this a place for Monarchs and many of our other pollinators to visit. 

Surveys were conducted at the Monarch Waystation in 2024 to identify as many pollinators as possible within a short window of opportunity. In addition to Monarchs, we discovered the pollinator garden is visited by a variety of bees, and other various insects. Several of the plant species in the garden include blanketflower, Mexican hat, goldenrod, bee plant, globe mallow, mint, yarrow, sagebrush, fleabane daisy, and paintbrush among others. 

The continued maintenance of this garden is accomplished by members of the High Desert Chapter Idaho Master Naturalists and others with support from Idaho Department of Fish and Game. This is a team effort and would not be possible without the help and expertise of many. The public enjoys the garden which is also a great place to spot birds, such as hummingbirds and Goldfinch, particularly in the fall when the flowers are going to seed. If you visit this special little habitat within EFNA, just be careful where you step as many plants are not always obvious, especially in the spring as they reach for the sun. Stop by and feel free to say hello when you see us working out there! 

By Sarah Jackson