May 1, 2026 Issue, Page 8 of 12

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NEWS 8• SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2026 The Elk City News Western Oklahoma event invites residents CBA across the region to learn, shop, and take action to protect monarchs and pollinators Elk City, OK – [April 23, 2026] creating habitat for monarchs is the Oklahoma Biological Survey ft demonstration pollinator habitat An infusion of native wildflow- important and how their actions and the North Fork of Red River garden er and milkweed know-how is can help,” she said. “We hope these Conservation District. Attendees Ask questions and learn from headed to western Oklahoma in events inspire people across Okla- can receive expert advice and pur- local experts through presentations May. Oklahoma Monarch Soci- homa to create pollinator habitats chase hard-to-find plants, while on monarchs, native wildflowers, ety and Keep Oklahoma Beautiful and reduce harm from pesticides the first 100 visitors at the Okies milkweed, and pollinator habitats are teaming up to host the Route and herbicides.” for Monarchs booth will receive a Grab tasty treats from the Surf 66 Native Plant & Pollinator Fes- Hawk also emphasized the im- free milkweed plant and wildflower Bar food truck tival, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m., May 2 at portance of collaboration. seed packet. Participants and partners in- Arrowhead Community Center, “Keep Oklahoma Beautiful has Short educational sessions clude: 600 Western Dr., in Elk City. Na- been a tremendous partner in help- throughout the afternoon will Okies for Monarchs tive plant vendors and experts are ing us reach local communities,” cover monarch migration, gar- Keep Oklahoma Beautiful heading west to share advice on she said. “Together, we’re work- den planning, community habitat Sanctuary Gardens backyard and out-on-the-ranch ing to plant a path for pollinators building, and common milkweed Johnston Seed Company habitats and native plantings. across our state.” myths. Oklahoma Biological Survey “Over time, we’ve mapped areas Megan Malone, program man- Visitors will enjoy interactive ex- Wild Roots of Oklahoma that lack pollinator ager for Keep Oklahoma Beautiful, periences including: Oklahoma Department of habitat and access to native plant said the partnership grew from a Shop native plants from Okla- Transportation vendors,” said Oklahoma Monarch shared mission. homa vendors, Sanctuary Gardens North Fork of Red River Con- Society Executive Director Katie “Our Keep Route 66 Beauti- and Wild Roots servation District Hawk. “Through these regional ful program brought us togeth- Grab FREE* starter milkweed Learn more about the event by events, we partner with growers to er, but what really sealed it was plants and wildflower seed packets visiting: https://okiesformonarchs. bring wildflowers and milkweed to a shared belief that Oklahomans from Okies for Monarchs org/events/elkcity-ok/ underserved communities while want to care for the place they call Pick up the central/western re- increasing awareness about mon- home,” she said. “Native plants are gional seed mix and other native ABOUT THE OKLAHOMA archs and other native pollinators.” low-maintenance, use less water, seeds from Johnston Seed Com- MONARCH SOCIETY Hawk said western Oklahoma and create better habitat for birds, pany The Oklahoma Monarch Society plays a critical role in the monarch butterflies, and bees — a win for Enjoy hands-on activities for all is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organi- butterfly migration, providing es- both residents and the environ- ages with Keep Oklahoma Beauti- zation formed in 2024 to support sential habitat for both spring and ment.” ful, Johnston Seed Company, Okla- statewide efforts to create and pro- fall travelers. She added the festival homa Biological Survey, and North tect habitat for monarch butterflies gives residents a rare chance to pur- ROUTE 66 NATIVE PLANT & Fork of Red River Conservation and other pollinators in Oklaho- chase native plants locally and learn POLLINATOR FESTIVAL District ma. Their outreach and education how to create habitat that supports The event will include activ- Purchase monarch-themed campaign, Okies for Monarchs, en- declining pollinator populations. ities, installation of a pollinator merchandise and habitat signs gages and empowers Oklahomans “Attendees will have the oppor- habitat demonstration garden and from Okies for Monarchs statewide to take action. Learn tunity to learn from experts why booths from organizations such as Watch the installation of a 100 sq more at okmonarchsociety.org. CANUTE Congratulations to the HS softball team on winning the District Championship. Congratulations to Maci Loyd placing 2nd individual and 3rd overall at today’s golf regional. This qualifies her for the State Golf Tournament. Congrat- ulations to Paige Ashmore placing 12th overall. Mega Farmers Union Co-Op Gin Breeze & Mini Breeze Call For Pricing! Parts Available! 720 S. Main, Elk City 580-225-6554 580-225-0191 One of the largest metal 918 N. Van Buren suppliers between Elk City, OK 73644 www.elkcitycoop.com OKC and Amarillo www.janningwelding.com Josh Moran We proudly support the President/Owner 319 Industrial PKWY students, staff and Elk City, OK 73644 administration at Canute Schools 580.225.2575 MORAN SERVING ~ Great Plains Bank 620 Highway 66, Canute, OK 73626 EQUIPMENT Oklahoma ~ Texas ~ New Mexico banksovereign.com | Member FDIC ~ First National Bank www.moranequipment.com