Site 04
Site preparation, habitat reconstruction, and how to register your own field station.
Site Preparation
Full sun, at least 6 hours a day, with soil that isn't waterlogged. Sheltered from wind if you can manage it.
At least two species if you can — common, swamp, and butterfly weed all bloom at slightly different times.
Milkweed feeds caterpillars; adults need nectar too. Aim for something blooming spring through fall.
Even "organic" sprays can harm eggs and caterpillars. Hand-picking pests is slower, but it works.
Eggs, instars, chrysalides — every observation is a data point for The Ledger.
Add your waystation to the map so it counts toward the wider census of habitat, not just your own backyard.