Princeton Today: Monarch Butterfly

monarch on milkweed (PARKE)The Monarch Butterfly are possibly facing extinction, but some experts say we can save it.

Key threats against the Monarch are the loss of Milkweed in the United States and deforestation in Mexico. The Milkweed, which is historically found along farm fields, is being destroyed by pesticides, farming methods, and genetically modified seeds that are immune to pesticides. There has also been a 44 percent degradation of the oyamel, the pine-oak forest ecosystem in Mexico where the Monarchs stay in winter before returning to North America for breeding.

The Sierra Club and the Princeton Public Library are co-hosting the panel  “Monarch Butterflies – A Species in Crisis” at 7 p.m. in the library’s community room tonight. The event is free and open to the public.

Panelists are: Maraleen Manos-Jones, Lecturer; Michael Gochfeld, MD, PhD, Professor, Rutgers University; Robert Somes, Biologist, NJ Nongame and Endangered Species Program, DEP; Flo Rutherford, Chief Guide & Caretaker, Butterfly Atrium, World of Wings Museum; and the Moderator – Kip Cherry, Conservation Chair – Central Section, Sierra Club/NJ Chapter.

The panel will discuss recommendations for constructing milkweed gardens and  multi-colored butterfly bushes, as well as other actions that can be taken to save the Monarch.

WEATHER

Rainy with a high of 56.

EVENTS TODAY

Movin’ and Groovin’ with Miss Amy at the MarketFair Mall – Sing and dance with Miss Amy. For children of all ages. 10 a.m. Free.

Princeton Farmers’ Market – Veggies, fruit, cheese, honey, lunch or more on hinds Plaza from 11 a.m to 4 p.m. Music noon to 2: 30 p.m. Rain or shine.

Early Hitchcock at the Garden Theater – Screening of ‘The 39 Steps” the theater on Nassau Street, Princeton. 7:30 p.m.,  Admission $10.50.

Faith and Forensics: Giving a Voice to the Voiceless –  Dr. Roger Mitchell, chief medical examiner for Washington D.C., will give the talk “Faith and Forensics: Giving a Voice to the Voiceless” at 4:30 p.m. in Dodds Auditorium at the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University. The talk is sponsored by the Office of Religious Life. Free and open to the public.

COMMUTE

County Route 605 is closed between Blue Spring Rd. and Crescent Ave in Rocky Hill due to a tree and wires down. Police say avoid the area.

Route 518 between Canal Road and Carroll Place is down to one lane, with alternating traffic weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The speed limit in the construction area has been reduced to 35 miles per hour. Starting Nov. 10, the road will be closed with a detour in place. Starting Nov. 24, the road will be closed with a detour weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The work is part of a long-term project that will be completed by the end of 2015. Delays should be expected. Motorists should exercise extra caution in the area and follow posted detours during times of closure.

In Princeton, Hunter Road has been between Lafayette and Westcott due to a water main break. There has been no update from the town on whether the road has been reopened. Police said Friday it would be closed until further notice.

Blackwell Road between Federal City Road and Cold Soil Road will remain closed to through traffic 24 hours a day until the repaving project is completed.