NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Tennessee Department of Transportation is bringing back a popular program aimed at helping butterflies in celebration of National Pollinator Week.

TDOT's Pollinator Habitat Program "Project Milkweed" offers Tennessee residents free seed packets featuring Red and Common Milkweed seeds.

The program started in 2017 in response to the sharp decline of pollinator species caused by "habitat loss, pesticide exposure, pests and other threats." According to TDOT, more than 188,000 seed packets were distributed to residents across the state last year.

One of the main initiatives of the program is restoring the habitat for the monarch butterfly, which depends exclusively on milkweed plants for production.

"The important of this effort has been formally recognized by House Joint Resolution 84, introduced by Representative Greg Vital, which acknowledges TDOT'S work through Project Milkweed and affirms the state's commitment to conserving monarch populations and their critical milkweed habitat," wrote the agency about the initiative.

To place an order for free seed packets, follow this link. In addition, TDOT is encouraging those who participate in the project to share photos and updates using the hashtag #TDOTProjectMilkweed on social media.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/tennessee-news/project-milkweed-tdot-giving-out-free-seeds-to-support-monarch-butterfly-population/