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4 Ways to Become a Monarch Citizen Scientist

3/20/2018

7 Comments

 
Although the name might be deceiving, you do not have to be a professional scientist or even come from a scientific background to become a citizen scientist. Citizen scientists are vital components to understanding the decline of Monarch populations and much of what has been learned about the Monarch butterfly is the result of citizen science projects.

It's quite easy to become a citizen scientist and help the vanishing Monarch butterflies. What are you interested in learning? Are you interested in tracking the Monarch migration? monitoring overwintering sites? identifying Milkweed plants? understanding Monarch health? or simply enjoying nature while counting butterflies? There are projects just like this out there!

1. Choose a Project

Find a project that calls to you. If you are in the path of the Monarch migration or located near an overwintering site, your data is especially important.
Check this list of Monarch and butterfly conservation projects to pick one suited to your area and interests. Since you already know how to identify Milkweed, you could participate in the Western Monarch Milkweed Mapper project! 

Even if you aren't in the path of the migration, there are still many projects out there and eButterfly is a great place to start. Monarchs are not the only Lepidoptera in trouble and you can find other projects on
iNaturalist. 

2. Don't forget to include the next generation of citizen scientists

Picture
Get the kids involved! There are lots of fun activities that the kids can enjoy while contributing to the well-being of the Monarchs. 

One way to get children interested is by rearing monarchs at home or in the classroom. Learn how to rear Monarchs here. Other classroom projects include tagging monarchs, monitoring larvae, recording monarch health, and counting Milkweed plants. 



3. Download a citizen science app on your phone to record results

There are free citizen science apps such as this and this available for you to easily track and reports spring and fall migrations. These apps allow you to report your sightings from the field while viewing maps, taking pictures and leaving comments. It is a great way to stay connected to your fellow conservationists and nature lovers! 

Remember, there's nothing wrong with doing it the old-fashioned way and recording your results on a notebook then inputing your data when you get home. 

4. Get the community involved

Host a Bioblitz or tagging event in your community! Ask around to find a place to host such as a local park, school, community center, or public library. 
A bioblitz is a citizen-science collaborative effort to find and record as many species within a specific area and in a specific time period as possible. It is a fun way to engage the public while connecting with nature and also contributing to conservation efforts. 

You could also host a "tag and release" event for all ages! Monarch tagging kits are available 
here. Partner up with local organizations to host a fun event to help the Monarchs and don't forget to invite all your friends and neighbors!


7 Comments
MARTEN BORG
2/28/2022 04:02:31 pm

First Monarch flew off today. Feb.28.2022. If all goes well, second should fly off end of the week.

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8/29/2023 10:56:29 pm

Your guidance and enthusiasm have inspired me to take an active role in understanding and conserving these majestic butterflies. Your practical tips, from choosing a suitable project to involving the next generation of citizen scientists, have empowered me to contribute meaningfully to Monarch conservation. The information about citizen science apps and organizing community events is invaluable, and I'm excited to embark on this journey of knowledge and action. Thank you for emphasizing that anyone can make a difference in protecting the Monarch population, regardless of their background. Your dedication to raising awareness and involving communities is truly commendable.

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Rachel link
4/10/2024 10:41:54 am

Hi Rebecca
You're an innovative and creative person. It's very clear to me that you enjoy solving problems in different ways and using your creativity to develop new ideas. It's great seeing you use your creativity and innovation to perform well in research.

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8/8/2024 03:41:46 am

Joining A2Bookmarks USA offers a wealth of benefits for anyone interested in supporting conservation efforts, such as those highlighted in the blog post "How to Become a Citizen Scientist and Help Monarch Butterflies." As the world’s best social bookmarking website, A2Bookmarks USA provides an ideal platform to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for environmental science and citizen science projects. By participating in A2Bookmarks, you can easily bookmark and organize valuable resources related to Monarch butterfly conservation, Milkweed identification, and other related topics. This organization helps streamline your access to important information and keeps you updated on new projects and initiatives.

Additionally, A2Bookmarks USA enhances your ability to engage with the broader community of citizen scientists. Whether you’re tracking Monarch migration or monitoring Milkweed plants, A2Bookmarks allows you to share your findings and connect with others involved in similar projects. The platform’s features make it simple to stay informed about various conservation activities and collaborate with fellow enthusiasts. By joining A2Bookmarks USA, you contribute to a collective effort in protecting the Monarch butterfly population and other vital species, all while enjoying the benefits of a well-organized and supportive online community. For more details and to join the community, visit [A2Bookmarks](https://usa.a2bookmarks.com).

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8/30/2024 03:12:10 am

Despite what the name might suggest, you don't need a scientific background to become a citizen scientist. In fact, citizen scientists play a crucial role in understanding the decline of Monarch butterfly populations, and much of what we know about these butterflies comes from citizen science projects. Getting involved is straightforward and can be incredibly rewarding. Whether you're interested in tracking Monarch migration, monitoring overwintering sites, identifying Milkweed plants, assessing Monarch health, or simply enjoying nature while counting butterflies, there are plenty of projects that could use your help!

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    Author

    Rebecca Chandler
    Garden Educator, Naturalist and Ethnobotanist

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  • Monarch Story
    • Why Milkweed?
    • Monarch Migration
    • Help Us Expand
    • How To Raise Monarch Butterflies At Home
    • How You Can Help
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Get Seeds
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