PRINTER'S NO. 3539
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
930
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY TAYLOR AND BOYLE, JUNE 16, 2016
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
JUNE 16, 2016
A RESOLUTION
Designating the month of June 2016 as "Milkweed for Monarchs
Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, The monarch butterfly is one of the most iconic
insects in the United States; and
WHEREAS, The monarch butterflies have two potential migratory
paths, those living in Colorado migrate to warm California
shores and those living in Canada migrate to central Mexico to
avoid the cold; and
WHEREAS, Though there were estimated to be more than 1
billion monarch butterflies during the 1996-1997 migration
season, only 35 million are presently believed to remain in
North America; and
WHEREAS, The reason behind the decline is unconfirmed, but
speculated to be a number of issues, including the loss of
agricultural land, severe weather interrupting migration or an
increased use of herbicides that kill the plants on which
monarch butterflies rely; and
WHEREAS, The milkweed plant is vital to the survival of the
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monarch butterflies as it is the only plant on which the monarch
caterpillars can develop; and
WHEREAS, The Insectarium in Philadelphia, led by Dr. John
Cambridge, is spearheading several initiatives to monitor and
aid in the monarchs' flight including surveying for parasites
and organizing milkweed planting events; and
WHEREAS, It is our responsibility to care for and conserve
the creatures and natural resources in our environment;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate the
month of June 2016 as "Milkweed for Monarchs Month"; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives encourage
residents of this Commonwealth to plant and grow milkweed so
that the monarch butterflies and caterpillars have a food source
and a place to lay eggs; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Commonwealth be a leader among states by
planting milkweed along highways, in parks and in other suitable
areas around the State.
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