05 Sep A Journey Across the Midwest
Monarch Conservation Program Update
Since March, EFTA team members, Brittany Hutchinson and Jansy Alvarado, have embarked on a journey across the Midwest to track the majestic Monarch butterflies. Their mission has taken them through Texas, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Colorado where they will complete their journey next week. Their surveys help protect and preserve the Monarchs by finding important habitats and making sure they thrive.
During their six-month adventure, Brittany and Jansy have worked hard to survey milkweed, caterpillars, and adult monarchs across various landscapes on military bases. Their expertise shines through as they meticulously examine each area, pinpointing milkweeds and potential nectar sources for Monarchs.
Colorado Adventures
Their recent stop in Colorado provided an exciting opportunity for our team in Boulder to join them in the field. At the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, we witnessed the unique juxtaposition of military training and conservation efforts. Amidst parachuting exercises, our team carefully inspected milkweed plants, hoping to find traces of Monarch caterpillars.
At Buckley Space Force Base in Denver, the presence of an F16 fighter jet didn’t distract our committed duo. After two hours of surveys, they discovered a Monarch caterpillar no larger than a thumb, hidden beneath a leaf. This little third instar caterpillar, sporting yellow, black, and white stripes, really shows off the attention to detail and dedication of our amazing team!
The Importance of Monarch Conservation
Monarch butterflies are important pollinators and an iconic species in North America. Their migration is one of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena. However, their populations are declining for many reasons, including habitat loss, climate change, and pesticides. Our Monarch Conservation Program addresses these challenges by identifying essential habitats, encouraging the growth of milkweed, and educating the public about the importance of preserving wildlife. We use our internship model to create a dedicated workforce and rely on our partnerships with public lands and national organizations, alongside our conservation expertise, to make a significant impact on this migratory species.
Join Us in Our Mission
Brittany and Jansy will conclude their fieldwork in September, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude for their dedication. But our mission doesn’t end here. We invite you to get involved in our Monarch Conservation Program. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, conservationist, or educator, there are many ways to contribute:
- Plant Milkweed: Create a habitat for Monarchs by planting milkweed in your garden.
- Educate Others: Share the importance of Monarch conservation with your community.
- Support Conservation Efforts: Donate to EFTA to help fund future surveys and conservation.
Let’s work together to make sure Monarch butterflies and other migratory species keep flying in our skies for years to come!
Tammy S.
Posted at 05:54h, 08 SeptemberLove to read about this commitment to follow and learn about Monarchs. Keep up the great work. We always plant milkweed in our garden and love to see the caterpillars. Your work is appreciated and noticed!