I had reason to travel between DesMoines, IA and St Paul MN today, and I was thrilled to see wonderful native wildflowers blooming in the median and along the roadside all through Iowa. I also saw at least ten Monarch butterflies as we flew along at 70 mph. I am sure there were many more I did not see. A few miles before we left Iowa, I saw a billboard that just said, "I-35 Monarch Corridor." I had heard that there was a movement to create a pathway along the interstate for Monarchs to follow, as they made their way from Mexico north. I was lucky enough to witness the results of peoples' efforts. I saw Common and swamp milkweeds, liatris, iron Weed, cone flowers, yellow cone flowers, sunflowers, Monarda, and many other blooms I couldn't identify at speed. None-the-less, I was mesmerized and humbled to see the efforts that have been put forth for the Monarchs and other pollinators. I am encouraged that ongoing education and individual efforts can have a huge impact on the plight of our pollinators. Keep up the good work.

Martha