This presentation was created to encourage support of Senate Bill 298 naming the Black Swallowtail the Official State of Michigan Butterfly. Created by Nancy Smith MGC Pollinator Chairman, October 2017 www.michigangardenclubs.org

What is the official flower for the State of Michigan?

Apple Blossom Malus domestica Designated in 1897

Name the official bird for the State of Michigan.

American Robin Turdus migratorius Designated in 1931 Hi, I’m Robin!

What is the official State of Michigan tree?

Eastern White Pine Pinus strobus Designated in 1955

What is the official State of Michigan Reptile?

Painted Turtle Chrysemys picta Designated in 1995

What is the official BUTTERFLY for the State of Michigan?

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

Michigan - Indiana - Iowa

Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. supports Senate Bill 298 proposing that the Black Swallowtail Butterfly be recognized as the Official State of Michigan Butterfly 298

Why would we choose the Black Swallowtail Butterfly

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.

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

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.

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.

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

How can you support pollinators AND help to support Senate Bill 298? Without pollinators 3 of Michigan’s most beloved fruit crops would not exist! How can you support pollinators AND help to support Senate Bill 298?

I can’t do this anymore!

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

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

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

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.

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

“How can I help?” SB298

Join Michigan Garden Club members in support of Senate Bill 298.

Request that Senator Arlan Meekhof forward the Bill Email or send a letter to your Michigan State Senator, asking them to support this Bill. Request that Senator Arlan Meekhof forward the Bill to the full Senate for a vote.

Please take out your Smart Phone In the to line enter: senameekhof@senate.michigan.gov 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

Honorable Senator Meekhof I support SB298 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 SB298. When will you be holding a hearing on this bill? I would like to attend. (enter your name) Press Send

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