The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is reminding residents an important pollinator beginning its migrations though the state is in serious trouble.

Wildlife biologist Melissa Panella with Game and Parks says populations of monarchs have been on the decline for at least the past twenty years, mostly due to the loss of Milkweed in their habitat

Panella says Milkweed is the only plant on which monarchs will lay their eggs, and for good reason; it provides an essential defense mechanism to their caterpillar offspring

Panella says Nebraskans who want to help Monarch populations can plant milkweed or other nectar bearing plants themselves,