The integrity of forest ecosystems at the overwintering sites and surrounding area is crucial for monarchs and for the well-being of local residents. In this strategic initiative, we support science based, comprehensive conservation projects including reforestation and forest restoration, all involving local communities.
Sample Project: Reforestation - the trees are thriving!
We have been tracking the success of our reforestation efforts in several sites like El Rincón, and are witnessing a tree growth of 12-15 meters in 11 years! You can read more about this success in our Evaluations of Tree Survival Rates project.
El Rincon April 2012 – planted seedlings grew on average one meter since placed on the ground in 2010
El Rincon May 2013 – trees ranged 1.8 to 2 meters tall after three years of being planted
El Rincon June 2014 – trees ranged 2.5 to 3 meters tall after four years of being planted
El Rincon July 2023 – trees ranged 12 to 15 meters tall after 13 years of being planted
El Rincón July 2023 - trees grew to an average of 12-15 meters
The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.
Conservation Partners
Local conservation partners are critical to the success of our initiatives. MBF's collaborations with Alternare and CIGA (UNAM’s Center for Research in Environmental Geography) have resulted in successful reforestation of many areas within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (MBBR) while also strengthening our relationships with the local participating communities.