Monarch Waystation Latest Addition in Fairhaven’s Efforts to Help Monarch Butterflies Thrive

For the second year in a row, the monarch butterflies have returned to Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater, Wis., to a welcoming group of residents. But this year, their accommodations in Wisconsin have gone up a few notches, thanks to Tena Engles, Fairhaven’s receptionist, unit clerk, and “Monarch Midwife.”

Over the winter months, Engles applied for Fairhaven to become a “Monarch Waystation.” Monarch Waystations are one way of combatting the loss of monarch habitats due to human encroachment. They provide resources necessary for monarchs to produce successive generations and sustain their annual migration from Mexico to Canada.

Without essential milkweed plants throughout their spring and summer breeding areas in North America, monarchs would never be able to complete the long journey to their winter home in the mountains of Mexico. The need for host plants for larvae and energy sources for adults applies to all monarch and butterfly populations around the world.

 “Becoming a Monarch Waystation was the highlight of my year!” Engles said. “The requirements were not as strict as I expected.”

Waystations must include several milkweed plants of at least two species native to the area, plus other nectar plants that bloom sequentially. “We ticked off all the boxes but were on the ‘just there’ side. Again this year, the Friends of Fairhaven [group] stepped in and gifted us monies to buy more plants, as that what was we were lacking.”

The Monarch Waystation opened in May and is providing not only a natural habitat for adult monarch butterflies to grow and thrive, but also the perfect “launching pad” for monarchs born in Fairhaven’s indoor habitat, where the larvae hatch into beautiful butterflies. 

“We have a new habitat this year [for fostering transforming monarch butterflies],” said Engles, “for easier viewing for everyone to see the transformations as they happen … and easier cleaning for me!”

To date, 14 monarch butterflies — four males and 10 females — have been released from the new 24x24x48-inch habitat into the Monarch Waystation. Currently, there are 10 chrysalises, four caterpillars, and one egg yet to transform.

Since the butterflies are always named, Engles’ daughter created a special “Monarch Butterfly Certificate of Metamophosis” for the people for whom the butterflies are named. The certificates contain a special seal at the bottom highlighting Engles as the Monarch Midwife.

Several heartwarming namings and releases already have occurred. A group of 3-year-olds from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Children’s Center attended an intergenerational event at Fairhaven just as a male was ready for release, so the children named him “Mario.” 

Another favorite took place July 2. “As the First of July was National Postal Workers Day, and we were expecting one to eclose [the final stage, where an adult butterfly breaks free from its chrysalis], I told our mail carrier that it would be his namesake,” said Engles. “A male would be Sean, and a female would be Shauna. When Sean arrived the next day, we had him do the honor of releasing Shauna!”

Engles said her favorite release to date has been when Fairhaven resident Henry, who was celebrating his 96th birthday with his family, released his namesake, “Henrietta.”

“Residents, family members, and staff are very engaged and still amazed with the metamorphoses!” said Engles.

Although Engles has been fostering monarch butterflies for 10 years, leading efforts at Fairhaven holds a special place in her heart.

“I’m not sure what’s more rewarding, watching the incredible process the monarch goes through, or the pleasure it brings to our Fairhaven community,” she said. “Either way, it’s a win-win for me!”