I have spent the last decade and a half photographing specimens from National Parks and University museum collections across the country. During that last decade, the iconic and beloved Monarch butterfly as well as many other species have been deeply affected by climate change and changing agricultural practices. Monarchs, recently added to the endangered species list, are one of the species that has difficulty adjusting to our new climate-stressed world. The devastating loss of Milkweed, the sole sustainers for Monarchs is in severe decline due to herbicides. Because of milkwood loss, monarch populations have declined by 95 percent in the last 20 years, making the beautiful insect a less frequent visitor to American backyards and to Mexico’s famous Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve.
All is not lost, we as citizen scientists can become involved. If you live near any point on the Monarchs epic 3,000 mile long migration route, planting Milkweed on your property can help sustain them; plus the added benefit would be a front row seat to the butterfly’s spectacular migration.
