Overview
The Tennessee Valley Chapter of the North American Butterfly Association is partnering with Kilbride Nature Sanctuary and the Southeastern Grasslands Institute to establish a 3.1-acre native meadow that supports every stage of the monarch butterfly life cycle. The project will provide milkweeds for egg laying and caterpillars, along with nectar rich wildflowers and native grasses that sustain adult monarchs and many other pollinators.
Learn more about Kilbride Nature Sanctuary
About the project
This Monarch Waystation will serve as a managed native habitat where monarchs can find reliable host plants and season-long nectar sources. Designed to function as both a migratory corridor and a teaching space, the Kilbride meadow will demonstrate practical, regionally appropriate conservation that others can replicate. Although Kilbride Nature Sanctuary is currently private, plans are underway to open the site to the public on one Saturday each month, allowing visitors to explore the restoration in person and learn more about native meadows and pollinator habitats.
Why this site matters
Kilbride Nature Sanctuary includes open ground along the Tennessee River corridor where a diverse native meadow can thrive. Converting turf and weedy patches to native vegetation increases habitat quality, improves soil health, and creates a living demonstration of restoration that visitors can experience in every season. The project also enhances regional connectivity for pollinators by linking existing green spaces with high-quality native habitats.
Project goals
- Establish a resilient native meadow with milkweeds, wildflowers, and grasses
- Support monarch breeding and migration with continuous bloom from spring through fall
- Create an outdoor classroom for guided walks, volunteer workdays, and community science
- Build a model that demonstrates effective native meadow restoration practices for the Tennessee Valley
Habitat plan
The planting will emphasize regional natives suited to sun and well-drained soils. Core elements include native milkweeds for host plants, a mix of native nectar plants that flower in early, mid, and late season, and structural grasses that anchor the meadow, reduce weeds, and provide winter cover. Species lists and layout will be finalized with guidance from the Southeastern Grasslands Institute to ensure a strong ecological fit and long-term sustainability.
Timeline
- November 2025: Site preparation underway
- January 2026, weather permitting: Broadcast native seed mixes for milkweeds, wildflowers, and grasses
- Spring 2026: Supplemental plug planting where needed, and begin regular monitoring
- Summer to fall 2026: Establishment care, light spot weeding, community science observations, and seasonal updates
How you can help
- Volunteer: Join planting and stewardship days.
- Monitor: Record butterflies and other pollinators, submit observations to community science platforms.
- Share: Invite friends, schools, and community groups to learn more about the project and the importance of native habitat.
Follow the project
Follow along for updates on restoration progress, seasonal milestones, volunteer opportunities, and future public visiting days as the project develops.
Partners and acknowledgements
Kilbride Nature Sanctuary
Southeastern Grasslands Institute
Tennessee Valley Chapter of the North American Butterfly Association