NEWTON, Iowa (AP) — Biofuel plants in Iowa are adding milkweed and other native plants to their properties so monarch butterflies can fuel up during the annual migration. WHO-TV reports that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says the monarch butterfly could warrant protection if something isn’t done to boost its population. That’s why the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association started its project called the “Monarch Fueling Station” in December of 2018.

The Renewable Energy Group (REG) plant situated on the northeast side of Newton is one of the latest ethanol and biodiesel plants to join the cause. Plant manager Phil Abels says, “It’s a little bit of work to begin with and it’s a small amount of maintenance.” But he adds that “the value that will be received goes way beyond any effort.”