We support environmental education programs that lead to a greater understanding, appreciation, and support of the challenge of monarch conservation. Our programs focus on engaging communities in conservation by providing training as eco-tour guides and in reforestation activities. Eco-tourism workshops combine indoor presentations and hands-on activities with outdoor field work to raise awareness about the importance of conserving the monarch overwintering sites. Participants learn basic monarch biology, including information on the part of the monarch life cycle that occurs in the United States and Canada, as well as skills that will help them become tour-guides and engage in monitoring activities.
2023
“Monarchs, Parasites and Flowers” Video
Cielo Rojo, a member of the Monarch Network, has completed a video exposing the problems generated by the planting and proliferation of non-native milkweed in the summer and winter habitats of migratory monarchs. Well intentioned people are following the example of many North Americans by planting milkweed but unfortunately this is likely negative for the migratory cycle. Planting flowers with nectar in the Mexican migratory route is more effective. The video (below) will be disseminated through the Monarch Network’s partners on their digital platforms and social networks.
“Beyond the Mexico” Book Project
The “Beyond the Mexico” book project is on it’s fourth season providing books and environmental lessons to schoolchildren around the MBBR. Schools in two major monarch sanctuary areas and surrounding areas participated this year. This project has been led by Estela Romero, working with Journey North’s Symbolic Migration, and supported by Monarchs Across Georgia. During fall, Ms. Romero visited 17 schools and reached over 500 students and teachers! In one elementary school, after a lesson on moths, children went outside to recognize numerous insects and discover evidence of them eating and breeding in this wild habitat. A hands-on example of learning about their surroundings and the importance of habitat conservation!
Monitoring Monarchs in the Southwest
Biology students from the University of Sonora are recording the monarch butterfly migration through Sonora in Northern Mexico as part of the project “Cielo de Monarcas” (Sky of Monarchs). This project was promoted during the Conservation Festival of Sonora and, 115 students and professors attended presentations and activities about the importance of the monarch and its migratory route.