One of the most popular booths at the 2023 Mountain Monarch Festival belonged to North Carolina Cooperative Extension. Volunteers taught visitors how to make “seed bombs,” one of the easiest and best ways to propagate wildflowers, which are the perfect nectar source for monarchs and other pollinators.
“You just combine compost, clay, water, and a mix of wildflower seeds. Roll them into balls, let them dry, then you throw them out into a meadow,” explained Alicia Parker, a Transylvania County Extension Master Gardener volunteer.
This simple craft exercise proved to be a magnet for attendees of all ages. “They get their hands dirty and, in the process, learn about flowers and the ecosystem,” said Transylvania County Extension Agent Bart Renner. “It gets people excited about being part of the solution.”
The challenges facing the monarch population are huge, but as an educator, Renner is ever hopeful: “When you look at the problem we’re trying to address, this is just a drop in the ocean. But we see how events like the Mountain Monarch Festival reverberate through the community and extend well beyond one day.”
In a bowl, mix three parts litter, five parts compost or potting mix, and one part seeds. Add small amounts of water until the mix is the consistency of biscuit dough. Form into small balls and set them in the sun to dry for at least four hours. Then, let fly! Toss them into your desired field, yard, or meadow, and Mother Nature will do the rest.
Every September, Gorges State Park celebrates the monarch butterfly — and the awe and wonder of its annual migration — with a festival fit for a king.
From sweeping vistas to secluded coves, North Carolina’s four national forests conserve our untamed lands for wildlife and human explorers alike.
Abloom year-round, the Elizabethan Gardens feel fit for a queen. Beyond their beauty, they’re also a living memorial to one of our state’s enduring mysteries.
On his namesake show, the Mount Airy native shared the spotlight with a fictional version of his hometown.
