Monarchs, a rarer sight around Chicago, now ‘endangered’

If you’re seeing fewer monarch butterflies, you’re hardly alone. Weather has caused their numbers t dwindle around Chicago this year. But habitat loss and other factors have led their numbers to plummet long-term, and scientists agree the species faces an uncertain future. (Nic Coury / AP)

In Lombard, half a block from Main Street, Joe LeCroy transformed his yard into a wildlife haven with native plants that attract hummingbirds, dragonflies, bees and other pollinators. 

But one of his favorites has been noticeably scarce this summer: monarch butterflies.