michigangardenclubs

1. This presentation was created to encourage support of Senate Bill 167 and House Bill 4314 naming the Black Swallowtail the Official State of Michigan Butterfly. Created by Nancy Smith MGC Pollinator Chairman, October 2017 rv.4-19 www.michigangardenclubs.org

2. What is the official flower for the State of Michigan?

3. Apple Blossom Malus domestica Designated in 1897

4. Name the official bird for the State of Michigan.

5. American Robin Turdusmigratorius Designated in 1931 Hi, I’m Robin!

6. What is the official State of Michigan tree?

7. Eastern White Pine Pinusstrobus Designated in 1955

8. What is the official State of Michigan Reptile?

9. Painted Turtle Chrysemyspicta Designated in 1995

10. What is the official BUTTERFLY for the State of Michigan?

14. The truth is only 3 states out of 50 DO NOT HAVE a designated insect or butterfly!

15. Michigan - Indiana - Iowa

16. Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. supports Senate Bill 167 & House Bill 4314 proposing that the Black Swallowtail Butterfly be recognized as the Official State of Michigan Butterfly

17. Why would we choose the Black Swallowtail Butterfly

18. The Black Swallowtail is a full time Michigan resident. Many butterfly species are only part time Michigan residents. They leave for warmer climates much of the year. Black Swallowtails overwinter in their chrysalis.

19. The Black Swallowtail can be found throughout the entire State of Michigan.

20. Black Swallowtails can easily be seen because of their size…2.5” to 4”. Their size makes them easier to be seen by school children who are studying butterflies.

21. Some butterflies reside in very tall trees. Black Swallowtails prefer flowering and natural areas filled with red clover, common milkweed and butterfly weed. That makes them easier to be seen and appreciated statewide.

22. The Black Swallowtail is a pollinator. It’s true that habitat loss and other factors are contributing to the reduction of Michigan’s pollinators.

23. Without pollinators 3 of Michigan’s most beloved fruit crops would not exist! How can you support pollinators AND help to support Senate Bill 167?

24. I can’t do this anymore!

25. Maybe you CAN’T plant an acre of wildflowers, but you CAN plant a few pots of host plants for the Black Swallowtail. parsley Queen Ann’s Lace fennel dill

26. Maybe you CAN’T plant a yard full of flowers, but you CAN put a container of flowers on your porch or patio.

27. You CAN stop using pesticides. You CAN accept a little plant damage.

28. Resist the impulse to clean up your garden beds when fall comes. Black Swallowtail overwinter in the their chrysalis. You could be eliminating a whole generation by cleaning up dead branches, stems and leaves.

29. Black Swallowtail’s aren’t too particular about where they hang out! You CAN wait until spring to clean up your garden beds.

30. “How can I help?” SB 167 HB 4314

31. Join Michigan Garden Club members in support of SB 167 and HB 4314

32. Email or send a letter to your Michigan State Senator and State Representative asking them to support this Bill.

33. Please take out your Smart Phone If you don’t know who your senator is, go to this site, enter your address and it will tell you who your senator is: http://www.senate.michigan.gov/FindYourSenator/michiganfys.asp?lookup=Y It will also tell you his/her email address In the cc line enter: your senator’s email address

34. Honorable Senator I support HB 4314 as well as SB 167 making the Black Swallowtail the Official State of Michigan Butterfly. 47 of the 50 states have a state butterfly, state insect or both. I believe Michigan should join those states that celebrate the presence and value of butterflies by passing both Bills. When there is a hearing scheduled on this matter I would like to attend. (enter your name, email and/or phone #) Press Send

35. We !