The University of Toledo Stranahan Arboretum is helping save monarch butterflies with the creation of a rest stop and nursery for the black, orange and white-patterned pollinators.

The arboretum’s new monarch waystation is a flower garden made up of milkweed and nectar plants to help nourish and protect the butterflies as they reproduce and migrate.

The public is invited to celebrate at the March of the Monarchs 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 at the UT Stranahan Arboretum located at 4131 Tantara Dr.

A butterfly parade showcasing the different stages from caterpillar to butterfly begins at 1 p.m. Children are encouraged to wear butterfly costumes.

The event shines a spotlight on how families can help bolster the species’ dwindling population.

“Every fall, the monarch migration from the U.S. and Canada to Mexico and California is a great natural wonder, but it’s threatened by habitat loss,” said Pam Struffolino, event coordinator at the arboretum and research operations manager in the Department of Environmental Sciences. “It’s up to all of us to help preserve this beautiful species through gardening.”

Tags: College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics