Come Help the Butterflies!!
This is the time of the year that Monarch Butterflies lay eggs on milkweed and then those eggs turn into larvae and eventually become butterflies! It is necessary for their survival that this process is monitored and documented. We ask that you plan to monitor once per week at the designated milk weed beds, ideally on the same day each week. If you're unable to go out on your usual day, please try to monitor within 24 hours of that day. This monitoring takes place May through September. We provide an orientation so no experience is necessary!
Training will be June 8th at 4:30 p.m. at the Josephine Fountain across from the Brandywine Zoo. Parking is available. This orientation starts next week and takes about an hour. You will be given days/times to choose from.
Why are Monarch Butterflies so important? Monarch butterflies are vital ecological components that act as key pollinators for wildflowers, support biodiversity, and serve as a crucial food source for various predators. As a "flagship" or indicator species, their population decline highlights broader environmental issues, including habitat loss and pesticide overuse. They are essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and, as part of the pollinator community, help support the food web.
You will be given instructions on how to monitor and record your data.
For more information about the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project, visit: https://mlmp.org Email Manager of Volunteers Nancy.Kersey@delaware.gov. Thank you.
