Monarch Watch is dedicated to the conservation and research of monarch butterflies, with the mission to engage the public in the conservation of monarchs and their habitats.
The organization achieves this through various programs, including citizen science projects, education and outreach, and habitat restoration initiatives.
One of the most popular programs offered by Monarch Watch is its tagging program. Each fall, monarch butterflies from the eastern population migrate to Mexico, and Monarch Watch coordinates a citizen science effort to tag as many of these butterflies as possible.
This allows researchers to track individual butterflies’ migration and better understand their behavior and population dynamics.
Through this program, volunteers can purchase a tagging kit and apply a small tag to the wings of the monarchs they observe. The tagged butterflies can then be tracked using a unique identification code, allowing researchers to learn more about their migration patterns, the distance they travel, and the challenges they face during their journey.
Monarch Watch also provides educational resources for schools and community groups, including information on monarch biology, conservation, and gardening for monarchs.
Their website offers a vast plethora of information on monarchs, including tips on creating monarch-friendly habitats in gardens and parks.
They also offer a certification program for individuals and organizations that have established monarch habitats, recognizing their efforts to support monarch populations.
In addition to its tagging program and educational resources, Monarch Watch is involved in habitat restoration initiatives.
The organization partners with farmers, ranchers, and landowners to promote planting milkweed and nectar plants, which are essential for monarchs during their life cycle. Monarch Watch also provides grants to support the establishment of monarch habitats and works with other organizations to advocate for policies that protect monarchs and their habitats.
Monarch Watch is a valuable resource for monarch butterfly conservation and research. Their efforts have helped to increase public awareness of the importance of monarchs and their habitats and have contributed to the preservation of this iconic species.
By engaging the public in citizen science projects, providing educational resources, and promoting habitat restoration initiatives, Monarch Watch is helping to ensure the survival of monarch butterflies for future generations.