The Journey of the Monarch Butterfly with Delmanor Northtown

With their striking appearance and unbelievable migration pattern, the Monarch butterfly is the most familiar of North American butterflies.  As the Monarch butterfly population continues to decrease, many groups and individuals have committed themselves to boosting the Monarch butterfly population.

The unmistakable Monarch

Tracy caring for the butterflies

Where the magic takes place

When one notices a Monarch butterfly fluttering about in North York, there is a good chance that the butterfly began his delicate life under the watchful and gentle care of residents at Delmanor Northtown.  Countless hours of devotion have been given by Tracy, Delmanor Northown team member, as she searches fields for small eggs and milkweed.  The milkweed is the only plant where a Monarch butterfly will lay its eggs and also the only plant that a Monarch butterfly will ingest. 
Due to the destruction of natural habitats and heavy pesticide use, the milkweed is becoming less available resulting in the catastrophic decrease in Monarch butterfly population.

The reward

Delmanor Northtown residents and staff created a safe environment for the Monarch eggs to make their transition from caterpillar, to chrysalis and then to butterfly.  It is hoped that through education about the many destructive effects of habitat loss and pesticide use, the devoted individuals like Tracy, throughout North America will see a return of our beloved Monarch.

With the assistance and care from residents at Delmanor Northtown, the adult butterflies are then released on the beautiful terrace to start their magnificent journey to Southern California or Mexico.

Beautiful Monarch in flight

If you would like to learn more about the Monarch program at Delmanor Northtown, or to arrange a tour of the retirement residence, please contact Laurie Fortin, Marketing & Community Relations Manager at (416) 225-9146 or visit online at delmanor.com