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Despite Delays, Monarch Conservation Efforts Continue in Iowa

July 23, 2019 9:00 AM

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently announced an extension of the deadline to determine whether the monarch butterfly is warranted for listing under the Endangered Species Act. The new deadline, December 15, 2020, was originally June 30, 2019. The federal court and current litigants agreed to the extension. It should be noted that the monarch is not currently listed under ESA.

Despite the delay, conservation efforts to help the monarch survive and thrive are important as ever. Conservation and restoration of native species – including milkweed and a variety of early- and late-blooming forbs – will provide habitat for monarch butterflies, bees and other pollinators. Monarch butterflies face many challenges including the loss of milkweed and nectar sources in its spring and summer breeding ranges. Female adult monarchs lay eggs exclusively on milkweed plants......

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New Monarch Numbers Encouraging: Conservation Efforts in Iowa Contribute to Long-term Recovery

February 1, 2019 12:00 AM

This week, the World Wildlife Fund released its 2018-2019 overwintering monarch population report. Adult monarch butterflies covered approximately 15 acres of forest canopy in Mexico, a doubling of last year’s population, and a level not seen since 10 years ago. The report provides hope, say leaders of the Iowa Monarch Conservation Consortium....

To continue reading this article from Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences news service, click here.

Iowa Pork Producers Collaborate with ISU Researchers to Benefit Pollinators

May 29, 2019 12:00 AM

Iowa’s pig farmers are collaborating with Iowa State University on a research project to discover ways to provide more habitat for monarch butterflies. The project is focused on the use and success of establishing habitat near pig barns....

To continue reading this article on the Iowa Monarch Conservation Consortium news service, click here.

 

Videos Show Simple Steps to Rearing Monarchs

May 3, 2019 8:53 AM

Monarch butterflies receive a great deal of attention these days. While children chase the vibrant orange-black fluttering across yards and gardens, adults are paying attention and taking actions to increase milkweed stands and native plantings in hopes of rebuilding monarch populations. By taking this attentiveness one step further and rearing monarchs, adults may encourage a child’s interest in science....

To continue reading this article from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach news service, click here.

The Deep Wounds of Forest Invasive Species

November 15, 2017 12:00 AM

One my favorite quotes from Iowa native and conservation icon Aldo Leopold goes like this: “One of the penalties of an ecological education is that one lives alone in a world of wounds.” I think about that quote often this time of year because every fall, after the grand finale of summer recedes to the grays and browns of our dormant winter landscapes, those of us with an ecological education are stuck with a constant reminder of one of our deepest wounds...

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Spring Time is Prescribed Fire Time in Iowa

March 13, 2017 4:33 PM

Spring is just around the corner and that means it’s time to get the planter ready and to start watching the fields for the right conditions to return after a long winter. But for many Iowa landowners, spring time means more than just planting season, it’s prescribed fire season....

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Late Spring Frost Having Impact on Animals this Fall

November 7, 2016 3:54 PM

Brightly-colored leafs, harvest and the busy labors of squirrels burying nuts for the long winter ahead are iconic images of fall in Iowa. This year, however, Iowans may notice fewer scurrying squirrels in their yards, thanks to a late spring frost that negatively impacted hard mast production in many areas throughout the state...

To continue reading this article from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach news service, click here.

Spend Less Time in the Heat this Summer – for the Birds

May 25, 2016 2:20 PM

On these cool spring days, it’s easy to forget the approaching hot, humid days in store for Iowans this summer. The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach wildlife program offers the following recommendations for the impending hot summer days: avoid the heat by spending less time on the mower....

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Is Palmer Paranoia a Threat to Conservation?

July 14, 2017 12:00 AM

Most wildlife biologists and hunters, like me, admittedly have less of a mainstream attitude toward weeds. Those of us who spend fall mornings behind bird dogs or summer days glassing butterflies look upon field edges and odd areas in a different light...

To continue reading this article in Wallace’s Farmer, click here.

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