Decline of the Monarchs The Roadside Environmental Unit investigated the decline of Monarchs and found that several groups and universities across the U.S. shared Dr. Gilmore's concern. For example, The University of Minnesota's Department of Ecology and the University of Kansas Department of Entomology have Monarch Labs and jointly oversee a national monitoring program. Volunteers monitor milkweed quality and monarch abundance. During the spring to fall breeding season monitoring is on a weekly basis. Following approval from the N.C. Department of Agriculture the Roadside Environmental Unit developed a plan of implementation. Three species of milkweed would be planted. The two North Carolina natives, Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) and Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) were planted from seed into one-acre plots within ten of the Wildlife Habitat plots. The showier Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) was planted in five of the one-acre wildflower beds along our interstates. The planting was done this spring and the milkweed is doing well. The roadsides provide an excellent environment for these species of milkweed. This installation serves a double purpose by its allowing us to incorporate more native plants into our roadside landscaping program. The cost to the department is small and the return is great. This is the type of program that citizens find interesting and enjoy following. We are fielding inquiries from schools and civic groups interested in educational materials and information about the Monarch butterfly and the Department's program.