Monarch Watch
Greetings Monarch Watchers – The Fall Migration is Underway!
With an immense love for nature, the author of this essay was thrilled to receive news in May that our urban farm had been awarded a grant to help bring back the monarchs. Dena Podrebarac, Milkweed Coordinator at monarchwatch, arranged to have about 250 total milkweeds, consisting of two species, Asclepias verticillata and Asclepias viridis sent to us through their generous funding sources. Monarch Watch's partner nurseries grow milkweed plants from native seed that was collected in specific ecoregions. Our urban farm, went “green” with native milkweeds and native trees planted for wildlife and pollinators as a part of our restoration project. Native trees were purchased through Oklahoma Department of Ag, Food and Forestry’s annual seedling sale and from a local nursery. The author of this essay planted more than 200 native seedlings, and mature trees were planted by a local landscape company. Regenerative land care, soil health and habitat restoration are top among priorities for our urban farm. Agroforestry, permaculture principles with future plantings to include fruit and nut trees, edible shrubs, flowers, fungi and herbs are planned for the site. No toxins are used. I earned professional AOLCP Credentials from CT NOFA Accreditation Course in Organic Land Care which is based on the NOFA Standards for Organic Land Care. Clients who ask for AOLCP Accredited organic land care services can find services in their area. Growing public awareness of pesticide use hazards for flora, fauna, humans and new legislation mandating least toxic and non-toxic alternatives are stimulating a market opportunity for professionals with knowledge of organic lawn, gardens and landscape care. CT NOFA’s program allows clients to identify trained professionals who can help them to manage their land organically. For more information, see CT NOFA and reach out to them at contact CT NOFA.
There is a multitude of milkweed information and photos and best mowing practices for monarchs: If you are interested in more monarch information or getting involved, a recent announcement was made by Jim Lovett of monarchwatch.org, and can be read verbatim here: ------------------------------------------------------ Chip in for Monarch Watch ------------------------------------------------------ “The 2023 Chip in for Monarch Watch fundraising campaign is now underway! If you are in a position to offer financial support to Monarch Watch, please consider making a donation of any amount during our fall campaign. This annual fundraising campaign was created in honor of our director and founder, Chip Taylor (whose birthday happens to be at the end of August, by the way). This campaign offers a chance for Monarch Watchers, colleagues, friends, and family across the planet to show their support for Chip and the monarch program he brought to life more than three decades ago. It has provided tremendous support for Monarch Watch over the years, through both monetary contributions and kind words. As you may recall, Chip recently announced that he will be stepping down as the director of Monarch Watch later this year, which makes this campaign even more special. This year we have moved the fundraiser to a new platform provided by KU Endowment (they manage all of our donations, no matter how you give) and you can now see the number of gifts and how much has been raised in real time. There is also a donor wall (you can opt out of this or remain anonymous) and a heat map to give an idea of where donations are coming from. Very cool! We encourage you to spend a little time on the Chip in for Monarch Watch page at monarchwatch.org/chip – the connections that are facilitated by monarchs and Monarch Watch are truly extraordinary. As always, there is also a link to a form where you can submit your comments, thanks, birthday wishes, photos, etc. We will compile these and present them to Chip at the end of the campaign – and try to share many of them with you as well. Donating securely online is easy but if you would rather make a donation by phone or mail, complete details may be found at monarchwatch.org/chip Thank you for your continued interest and support!” Upcoming Monarch Watch Events: ------------------------------------------------------ Chip in for Monarch Watch August–September Annual Fundraising Event in honor of Chip Chip In for Chip Monarch Watch Fall Open House (Free event) Saturday, September 16, 2023 Monarch Watch Lawrence, Kansas MonarchWatch.org/openhouse/ Monarch Watch Tagging Event (Free event) Saturday, September 23, 2023 Baker Wetlands Discovery Center Lawrence, Kansas MonarchWatch.org/tag-event/ Be a part of something positive- support Monarch Watch, and plant pollinator gardens and trees! monarchwatchresource Apply for a free milkweeds Find Monarch Watch registered habitats Shop milkweed market
Monarch Watch is a nonprofit education, conservation, and research program based at the University of Kansas that focuses on the monarch butterfly, its habitat, and its spectacular fall migration. Monarch Watch was founded in 1992 by Dr. Orley "Chip" Taylor and the monarch tagging program was launched in the fall of that year. Mission Statement: Monarch Watch strives to provide the public with information about the biology of monarch butterflies, their spectacular migration, and how to use monarchs to further science education in primary and secondary schools. We engage in research on monarch migration biology and monarch population dynamics to better understand how to conserve the monarch migration. We also promote protection of monarch habitats throughout North America. Vision Statement: In recognition of the rapid loss of habitats and resources needed by monarch butterflies in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, it is clear that the preservation of the monarch migration will require stewardship by the governments and private citizens of all three countries. We all must work together to create, conserve, and protect monarch habitats. Sustaining monarch habitats will have the effect of protecting vital pollinators and other wildlife. NEW! Mini Monarch Essentials Course: Monarch Watch joint venture
In the news: Reasons to plant trees
For the wild! Wildlands Restoration, LLC, is a member of Tulsa Urban Ag. We will install a sign identifying our site as monarch restoration habitat as an official Monarch Watch waystation. Progress on our habitat restoration project for monarch butterflies will be in a Wildlands essay in the Spring of 2024. See my Sonoran desert projects at Habitat Restoration/ SustainableTucson.org. Our Habitat Restoration Mission: We advocate for, develop, and deliver regenerative solutions that restore nature’s waterways and biodiverse systems utilizing nature’s remedies and building materials.