[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 159 (Tuesday, September 15, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H4388]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        PROTECTING MILKWEED MILE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Michigan (Ms. Stevens) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. STEVENS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible 
efforts of the Thelander and Zarate families, who have spearheaded a 
conservation and awareness program for thousands of beautiful monarch 
butterflies that began their lives as caterpillars in Michigan's 11th 
District before attempting the 2,000-mile migration to central Mexico 
every year.
  A couple of years ago, Maecy Zarate, who was then just 8 years old, 
petitioned the Highland Township board to establish the Milkweed Mile, 
a beautiful stretch of land along highway M-59 in Highland Township 
that provides a sanctuary for monarchs.
  Along this stretch of road, which is designated as a no-mow zone, 
milkweed is left to grow and thrive freely, creating an ideal 
environment for monarch caterpillars to complete their lifecycle.
  Each summer, these conservation efforts culminate in the Highland 
Monarch Butterfly Festival, an annual celebration of these amazing 
butterflies, in an effort to raise awareness of this species that has 
seen their global populations plummet in recent years.
  I was honored to visit the Highland Monarch Butterfly Festival in 
August of 2019, and it was so inspiring to meet young Michiganders 
passionate about conservation and biodiversity in our great State.
  This is also part of the work that we are doing on the House Science, 
Space, and Technology Committee, to protect and to promote biodiversity 
throughout the world.
  The Thelander family also tags and releases hundreds of monarchs 
every year. One butterfly, named Jeronimo, was tracked all the way from 
Michigan's 11th District to central Mexico last year, beating the odds 
and completing a grueling 1,900-mile journey over 3 months.
  This is significant and symbolic. It is symbolic because of the 
journey that we are on as a Nation right now in somewhat uncertain and 
troubling times but with an end goal to reach the other side.
  The monarch sanctuary along Milkweed Mile provides a special 
opportunity for young people to get involved in real conservation 
efforts right in their backyard. As Maecy says, ``If there's no 
milkweed, there's no monarchs.''
  I look forward to working with monarch lovers all over Michigan to 
protect Milkweed Mile as a sanctuary for years to come.
  I ask this Chamber to join me in recognizing the inspiring efforts of 
the next generation of conservationists who are making a difference in 
our community through their passion and dedication for these beautiful 
butterflies. I could not be more proud of their efforts, and I look 
forward to learning more about their progress in next year's Highland 
Township Monarch Festival.

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