Each spring millions of monarch butterflies leave the mountains of Central Mexico, where they survived the winter, to begin their annual migration north. This spring they are accompanied by cyclist Sara Dykman (age 32) from Kansas who is biking 10,000 miles from the monarch overwintering colonies in Mexico to Canada …and back…with the butterflies. Or as Dykman would say, “Butterbiking with the butterflies.”
This week Dykman took a break from Butterbiking to visit Junction Elementary and share her story of the monarch with students. During her presentation, the lucky Junction kids looked at photos and listened to stories from her first 1,100 miles. They learned all about the unique monarch migration, and tried out some of her camping gear. “It is so rewarding to connect my adventures to students,” said Dykman. “I want to show people how incredible the world is and be an example of what it means to follow your dreams and take care of the planet.”
After class she returned to her home away from home at the Native American Seed Farm, which hosted her and gave her a tour of their farm. The local farm, run by the Neiman family, produces native seeds for people looking for a low-maintenance and economic way to restore wildlife habitat to their land and support the migrating monarch. “Our farm gives people access to the native plants that know how to survive Texas’ hottest summers and coldest winters. We are proud that our farm can support, not just Sara as she bikes through Texas, but all the migrating monarchs as well,” said Emily Neiman, Native American Seed Farm’s ecotourism manager… Read more from the Junction Eagle