Monitoring Monarch Butterfly Habitat

EcoAlpha members and other volunteers surveyed the prairie and identified blooming prairie plants. These plants are vital for the survival of Monarch butterflies because they provide nectar for adult butterflies and serve as places for them to lay their eggs. EcoAlpha volunteers worked with experts to learn how to spot important prairie plants, like milkweed, which is crucial for Monarchs. By identifying these plants, the team helped make sure that the habitats needed for Monarch butterflies are protected.

EcoAlpha members also searched for Monarch butterfly eggs and caterpillars. This required patience and good observation skills because the eggs are tiny and often hidden on the underside of milkweed leaves. EcoAlpha members carefully looked at the plants, finding the small eggs that will grow into the next generation of Monarchs.

The data collected on prairie plants will help determine if there are enough blooming plants to support the Monarch population or if more plants, such as milkweed, need to be planted to create a suitable habitat for the butterflies. The team also gathered important data that will help scientists and conservationists better understand the Monarch butterfly’s life cycle and migration patterns. The data they collected will contribute to a national dataset, helping conservationists better understand and protect the Monarch butterfly. This information is crucial for protecting Monarch populations, which have been declining due to habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide use. The data will be used to help create conservation strategies to ensure that Monarch butterflies continue to thrive.