Monarchs are vanishing, and that's bad news. This milkweed butterfly might be the most familiar to us in North America - it's vibrant orange and black pattern make it easily recognizable (though it is frequently confused with the Viceroy butterfly, which features similar wing pattern and coloration). The Monarch butterfly is notable for it's lengthy migration, from Southern Canada to Northern Mexico, it covers thousands of miles in it's lifespan.

While not currently listed as an endangered species, the Monarch's population numbers are dropping due to deforestation from illegal logging in Mexico; bouts of severe weather and drought; and the growth of herbicide-based agriculture - which is responsible for destroying milkweed flora in the Midwest. Milkweed is crucial to the survival of Monarchs, adult Monarch butterflies lay their eggs in the milkweed and it's the only plant Monarch caterpillars eat.

We can't control the weather, but we can plant milkweed seeds and provide habitat for Monarch butterflies. Oracle has made donations to Livemonarch.com and will be giving out free milkweed seeds to our customers - let's help our winged friends and give them a place to hang their hat.