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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......

To continue reading this article on the Acreage Living Newsletter, click here.

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.

New research predicts benefits to monarchs from habitat planted near crop fields

May 24, 2021 8:39 AM

New research on monarchs by Iowa State University scientists offers important insights to those trying to boost populations by planting habitat close to corn and soybean fields. The research indicates maximum increases in Iowa monarch populations are expected if habitat is established near crop fields, assuming that Integrated Pest Management recommendations are used and insecticide spray drift management practices are followed...

Continue reading this article on the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences website.

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Making Iowa Farms More Profitable with 415 Million Milkweeds

September 30, 2022 10:17 AM

Iowa’s Monarch Conservation Strategy seeks to add 160,000,000 new stems of milkweed to Iowa’s landscape by the year 2038. What if I told you we could double that and help farmers save money while we’re at it? That’s the lesson from a recently finished project at Iowa State University where we dispatched armies of water resources interns to a few small patches of grasses and wildflowers in the middle of crop fields south of Ogden to count milkweed stems...

Continue reading this article on the Iowa Learning Farms Blog

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Conservation efforts needed to support monarch butterfly population recovery

April 17, 2023 11:41 AM

The last year was a difficult one for the eastern monarch butterfly, according to a report just released that indicates monarchs occupying forest canopy in their wintering grounds in Mexico decreased by 22%, down from approximately 7 acres in 2021 to a little under 5 ½ acres during the winter of 2022-2023. Scientists estimate that a long-term average of 15 acres is needed to sustain the eastern monarch population and its continental migration...

Continue reading this article on ISU's College of Life Sciences website.

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Becoming a Hero for Pollinators: Your Role Matters

June 12, 2023 11:48 AM

In a world where the delicate balance of nature is increasingly threatened, each one of us has the power to be a hero. We often think of heroes as those with superhuman abilities, but sometimes, the simplest actions can have a profound impact. By establishing and recording your pollinator habitat in HabiTally, you can contribute to the well-being of our planet and become a champion for pollinators.

One such pollinator is the monarch butterfly. Monarch butterflies, with remarkable migration patterns, epitomize the importance of pollinator habitats. These habitats serve as critical refueling stations for these iconic butterflies during their incredible journey, which spans thousands of miles. Sadly, the population of monarch butterflies has been in decline due to habitat loss and the scarcity of milkweed plants, which serve as their sole source of food and breeding grounds. By creating pollinator habitats that include milkweed and nectar-rich flowers next to crop fields or in our backyards, we can provide essential resources for monarch butterflies at every life cycle stage. These habitats not only offer them a haven for feeding and resting but also contribute to the preservation of this awe-inspiring species.

HabiTally is an innovative platform that empowers individuals to document their pollinator habitats. By recording your efforts, you contribute valuable data that helps scientists, conservationists, and policymakers understand the state of pollinators and develop effective conservation strategies. HabiTally provides a user-friendly interface that allows you to enter information about your habitat, such as plant species, location, and size. This collective data enables researchers to identify trends, assess the impact of habitat restoration efforts, and make informed decisions to protect pollinators.

By participating in HabiTally, you become a hero for pollinators. Your recorded habitats serve as an inspiration for others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of positive change. Additionally, your data contributes to the larger goal of preserving and restoring pollinator populations worldwide. As each habitat is documented, a mosaic of interconnected spaces emerges, forming a network that supports the survival and well-being of these crucial creatures. Your involvement can inspire policy changes, educate others about the importance of pollinator habitats, and ultimately create a better future for both nature and humanity.

Being a hero isn’t about having superpowers; it’s about taking small, meaningful actions that collectively make a significant difference. By creating and recording your pollinator habitat in HabiTally, you join a global movement of individuals dedicated to protecting and conserving pollinators. Together, we can secure the future of our planet. So let’s embrace the power within us and take action today. Start your pollinator habitat journey by visiting Iowa Monarch Conservation Consortium’s Habitat How-To webpage and be the hero our pollinators need.

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