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City of Lexington holding art contest to honor Monarch butterflies, waystations

Waystations for Monarch butterflies help the Mexico-bound insects get to their destination.
Amy Wallot
/
LFUCG
Waystations for Monarch butterflies help the Mexico-bound insects get to their destination.

The City of Lexington is asking people to submit works of art to celebrate Monarch butterfly waystations. Visual artists of all types are eligible, and the deadline to declare their intent to exhibit is Sept. 13. Jennifer Hubbard is superintendent of Natural Areas for Parks and Recreation. She said pollinators ranging from butterflies to bats play critical roles.

“Without them, you know, A, we don't have the beauty of the wildflowers that we enjoy throughout the spring and summer and fall. But B, most importantly, it's a direct impact to our food source.”

Hubbard said waystations are critical stops for the Monarchs’ trip south to Mexico.

“It's our job to provide that space and safe habitat for those larva, number one and number two, in the later months, we've got to be able to plant species that serve as a nectar source that can sustain that journey.”

Lexington Parks and Recreation is a supporter of WEKU.

Waystation art contest
Pollinator tips

John McGary is a Lexington native and Navy veteran with three decades of radio, television and newspaper experience.
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