Residents in Door and Kewaunee counties can take pride in their gardens and flowers and improve the habitat for butterflies that can aid pollination.  The key to that is diversifying the plants grown in gardens and flowerbeds.  Craig Thompson, Department of Natural Resources Section Chief says while flowers are a vital food source for butterflies other plant species are needed to help caterpillars before metamorphosis.

Thompson says gardeners don't have to grow native-plant species exclusively.  He says a balance of native species and flowering plants will go a long way toward making your yard butterfly-friendly.