Did you know populations of Vermont’s state butterfly, the Monarch, have been declining dramatically over the last two decades? They weigh less than a dime, yet they travel from Vermont to the mountains of central Mexico each fall. Join biologist Kent McFarland from the Vermont Center for Ecostudies and learn about the natural history and conservation of this amazing globetrotter and how you can help survey Monarchs during the International Monarch Monitoring Blitz.
The International Monarch Monitoring Blitz (July 23-31) aims to provide a snapshot for scientists of monarch populations. For one week, the Blitz invites people across North America to look for milkweed plants and survey them for monarch eggs, caterpillars, chrysalises and butterflies. This information helps us identify priority areas for monarch conservation actions. Observations reported in Vermont provide us with a snapshot of the peak monarch breeding population each year before they begin their migration to Mexico. It’s easy to contribute and fun for all ages!