Aha Nature Moments: Monarch Butterflies

Check out this video filmed at the Fernald Preserve, Ohio, Site on monarch butterflies. The monarch butterfly has been the subject of amazing citizen science contributions for years. Hundreds of thousands of butterflies have been captured, tagged, and recaptured since monarch tagging was first introduced in the 1930s. This international collaboration generates data that enables scientists to study and evaluate monarch population status and trends. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is due to release a decision in December 2020 on whether the monarch butterfly will be listed under the Endangered Species Act. Since monarch numbers have dropped by 80% in the last 20 years, many people have joined the effort to support the butterflies by planting a native milkweed plant or two, or even three. The hungry monarch caterpillars would appreciate it if you would add this to your to-do list for next spring!