That's fabulous Sally! Be sure to give them 4 - 5 hours for their wings to harden pre release. Also, when you release where do you let them go? I've been letting mine crawl on to some zinnias that are sheltered from wind (like yesterday) but get some sun. Some fly off immediately and some stay put for an hour or two. Don't know why....
I am told that some of those now eclosing will be early migrators and otherers will stay to breed and lay eggs for another generation. Maybe you will be inspired to collect new eggs and hand raise them. This will protect from predators (caterpillars one finds are more likely to be infected with OE or parisitized with Tachnid fly larva which is not detectable readily until pupation or eclosure so they should be kept separate from each other and those raised from eggs in more sterile environment). Also, hand raising any eggs you find now gives the best chances for maturing as quickly as possible as we can keep them warmer in the house than outside temps are likely to be in the next three to four weeks. We can make sure they get as fat as possible for the long trek ahead!
If you can't commit to egg rearing, if you will collect them between now and Swap, I'm sure there will be several swap atendees who are ready and willing to foster them. The eggs need very little care between now and Swap. Just put them in a tupperware like container with a tight fitting lid on the leaves they were laid on. If any hatch, just put them and their leaf in a second container as they will eat the unhatched eggs! Look for eggs same places where we found them on our visit.
Catmint and Green thumb, maybe there is a way to get some Loudoun Willdlife rearing cages and at least one Raising Butterflies book to the Swap?
Wonder if the Obama's, Govs and Mayors, would like a relase of a kaleidoscope of Monarchs?
I pass by the MD Ag Dept every day, but there is only one lonely MW plant nearby...so far!
