1. 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

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

6. What is the official State of Michigan tree?

7. Eastern White Pine
Pinus strobus
Designated in 1955

8. What is the official State of Michigan Reptile?

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

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. 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?

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?”
SB298

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

32. Request that Senator Arlan Meekhof forward the Bill
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.

33. Please take out your Smart Phone
In the to line enter:
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:
It will also tell you his/her address
In the cc line enter: your senator’s address

34. 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

35. We !