Relay to protect Monarch butterflies treks through London
Butterfly wings were spotted on the backs of Londoners Monday morning.
A group of supporters offered cheers to a runner passing through the Forest City in support of protecting endangered monarch butterflies and their habitats.
Jodi McNeil, of Orangeville, Ont. picked up where a London runner left off Sunday evening.
“The monarch butterfly is the ultra-runner of the insect world,” she exclaimed to CTV News London.
McNeil is just the latest to put her feet to the pavement during two relay runs covering 6,000 kilometres.
In 2019, ultra-runners in Canada, the United States and Mexico followed the 4,300 km migratory path of the Monarch butterflies from Ontario to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Preserve in Central Mexico. Along the way, they raised $10,000.
Jodi McNeil speaks in London, Ont. on Monday, Oct. 4, 2021. (Sean Irvine / CTV News)
With COVID-19, the event could not be duplicated in 2021 as planned, but race co-founder, Carlotta James, still found a way to engage Canadians.
“I’ve been inspired by nature my whole life and I’m also a runner.”
The result is a 21-day, 1,800 km relay through Ontario following a winding course from Peterborough to Barrie.
Each runner is covering a 25 to 50 km section.
London to Tillsonburg is day 16.
“We’re here because monarchs are special and they help our environment,” stated Violet Smith, a student at Tecumseh Public School. She was among several children who came out wearing fabric Monarch wings on their backs.
Linda Smith speaks in London, Ont. on Monday, Oct. 4, 2021. (Sean Irvine / CTV News)
Smith's interest was inspired by her mother Linda Smith, an employee with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority. She says Londoners need to step up to help the species.
“They are really making a magnificent trek from London and other parts of Ontario down to Mexico. And, the things we can do, like planting pollinator plants really do help them on that trek.”
James says placing milkweed in your garden is the best way to attract monarchs.
“As soon you plant a pollinator garden, not only will you see monarchs, you’ll see all types of pollinators; birds, bees, and butterflies.”
While awareness is a key objective of the runs, funds raised by direct participation or a virtual 10K run will go to Camp Kawartha, a non-profit group that provides nature programming for youth.
For more information click here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Quebec judge orders bus driver to stand trial for 2023 daycare crash deaths
A judge has ordered a Quebec man to stand trial on charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of two children killed when a bus rammed into a Montreal-area daycare last year.
Trudeau's latest pre-budget pledge targets millennial moms, vowing $1B in loans for more child-care spaces
The federal government is launching a new loan program to help child-care providers in Canada expand their spaces, and will be extending further student loan forgiveness and training options for early childhood educators, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
BREAKING Calgary officer charged after allegedly assaulting handcuffed man
A Calgary police officer has been charged after allegedly assaulting a handcuffed man two years ago.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
How do you navigate the social media minefield with your kids?
Growing fears about social media's harm have sparked lawsuits against social media companies from hundreds of school districts in the United States and now Canada. CTVNews.ca wants to know whether your children are addicted to social media or if you have concerns about their usage of platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and X.