Monarch Butterfly News And Ways To Help These Iconic Beauties This Fall And Into The Future
Seeing monarch butterflies flutter by?
You're not alone! Recently released research shows that Wisconsin had the fifth- highest number of monarchs in North America right before butterflies in the eastern population began their fall migration. The eastern population breeds in Wisconsin and 15 other states before a final generation migrates to Mexico in late summer and fall.
The study, highlighted in the Fall 2021 Wisconsin Citizen-based Monitoring Network Newsletter, analyzed 25 years of reports of monarch butterflies seen from July 15 - Aug. 15 of 1996–2020. People from North America submitted their observations to Journey North, a community science program housed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum.
The study factored in the abundance of volunteers in each region. It found that Wisconsin trailed only Minnesota, Texas, Ontario and Michigan with the highest portion of monarchs just before the fall migration began.
Knowing the distribution of migratory species at different life cycle stages is necessary for their effective conservation. View the complete study in Ecology and Evolution.
Milkweed seedpods along a Madison bike path. / Photo Credit: Lisa Gaumnitz
Three Ways To Help Monarchs This Fall
1. Report Your Sightings To Journey North
Migration of the eastern population of monarchs is underway.
People seeing monarchs this fall are encouraged to report them to Journey North, a partner in the Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative, along with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and 40 other organizations.
Report Your Sightings Now
2. Add Your Monarch Habitat To Wisconsin's Tally
The eastern population of monarchs has dropped by more than 80% over the past 20 years. To reverse the decline, the DNR and other members of the Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative have committed to add monarch habitat in Wisconsin voluntarily. The goal is to add 120 million new stems of milkweed and a mix of wildflowers by 2038. The collaborative's website features several different options for reporting your milkweed habitat.
Report Your Recent Milkweed Habitat
3. Help Collect Milkweed And Other Prairie Seeds
Seed collection occurs this fall at many State Natural Areas to help provide the native plants important for monarchs and other pollinators. No experience or equipment is necessary.
Find A Seed Collection Effort Near You
Finally...Savor The View And The Monarch Memories
Monarchs fluttering above New England asters on a sunny September afternoon in Wisconsin are a treasured sight. What's your favorite memory?
We loved this one shared by Bennett Lippert, a DNR State Natural Area crew member who helps restore and maintain State Natural Areas in northeastern Wisconsin:
One of my most favorite moments at a State Natural Area is when I get to go to Bailey’s Harbor Boreal Forest and Wetlands where I can view all the monarch butterflies that stop there to breed before flying south to Mexico for winter.
The past two years, my girlfriend Ali and I have enjoyed observing all the butterfly activity near the bay together. This year was even more special as I proposed to my girlfriend on the beach surrounded by all the beauty the State Natural Area offers. It was really special to share this memorable moment at a place I am passionate to preserve.
Bennett Lippert and his fiancée will always remember their engagement day watching monarchs at a State Natural Area he helps care for. / Photo Courtesy of Bennett Lippert
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