The eastern monarch butterflies returned to Eighty Acres in early May. Their journey began nearly 3000 miles away in the mountains of central Mexico. It's an exciting time to see them return each spring but unfortunately, due to the lack of milkweed plants the monarch population has declined by nearly 80 percent. So what can we do about this problem? Why not start a butterfly garden this summer. Try mowing around the milkweed plants. Teach your children and grandchildren about the beauty and wonder of the monarch and how they can make a difference in the years ahead. Yes, these may seem like only small steps. But if we all take a few baby steps in our own backyards, it will mean a big step into the future.