Plan To Save Monarch Butterfly Population

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DALLAS (AP) - Former first lady Laura Bush joined state and federal officials in announcing a plan to help restore the monarch butterfly population, which has been decreasing.

The conservation plan was unveiled Tuesday at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas. Bush says that "with more Texans lending their time, expertise, land, and resources, we can ensure that the monarch butterfly — the state insect of Texas — is here to stay."

Among efforts is encouraging people to plant Texas milkweed, the only plant monarch caterpillars can eat.

The plan outlines actions that will contribute to monarch conservation in Texas by highlighting habitat conservation, education and outreach, research and monitoring, and partnerships.

Groups involved in the effort include the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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