Monarch butterfly numbers have been at an all-time low for the last two overwintering seasons, and many pollinators are declining as well.

The widespread planting of herbicide-tolerant crops, intensive farming and the ethanol mandate has led to a rapid loss of habitat. Monarchs and pollinators need our help, according to Monarch Watch.

Monarch Watch is a nonprofit education, conservation and research program based at the University of Kansas that focuses on the monarch butterfly, its habitat and its spectacular fall migration.

By planting milkweeds — the host plants for monarch caterpillars — and nectar plants for adult monarchs and pollinators, you can help maintain the monarch migration and sustain the pollinators whose pollinating services maintain our ecosystems.

In 2013, Monarch Watch distributed 21,000 plugs. In 2014, Monarch Watch had a bigger target, and sold or distributed over 59,000 plugs. Monarch Watch’s goal for 2015 is to distribute 100,000 pesticide-free milkweed plants.

The nonprofit organization’s milkweed plugs come in unmixed flats of 32 plants.

The plugs cost $66 per flat, shipping included. Shipping is via UPS ground.

The organization accepts checks or money orders only, payable to Monarch Watch. Purchase orders are accepted in most cases. Checks will not be deposited until Monarch Watch knows your plants can be shipped.

To determine the plants that Monarch Watch is making available to this area, visit monarchwatch.org/milkweed/market.

If you wish to request milkweed, visit monarchwatch.org/milkweed-request to access Monarch Watch’s new online milkweed request form. The form does not automatically generate an order. Each request must be reviewed so that the appropriate plants for your region are selected. Monarch Watch only ships plants to the ecoregion from which their seeds originated.

All communications involving orders and shipping can be directed to Monarch Watch at milkweed@monarchwatch.org. For more information, call (888) 824-4464.