For nearly two decades Monarch Joint Venture (MJV) has worked tirelessly to safeguard habitat for, and bolster the population of, the monarch butterfly—a species that has become emblematic in the biodiversity crisis as well as the broader environmental movement.

A species that the organization says, “serve[s] as a flagship for the conservation of other plants and animals.”

MJV works to achieve these goals through habitat conservation, educational efforts, scientific research, and broad partnerships with organizations ranging from state and federal agencies to businesses and beyond. 

Despite concerted efforts by MJV and other dedicated organizations and individuals, the species has continued to decline and is now proposed to be listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. 

While the organization has stated that, “A recent publication indicates substantial probability for ‘quasi-extinction’ of the Eastern monarch butterfly migratory population within 20 years if ambitious habitat restoration and conservation goals are not achieved,” hope for these charismatic creatures is far from lost.

With characteristic clarity, MJV offers simple and practical advice for anyone who wants to help: plant native milkweed and nectar plants.

Monarch caterpillar on milkweed. (Photo: Monarch Joint Venture)

While habitat conservation is important, creating more habitat is essential. With the continuous habitat loss that has been brought on by urban expansion, industrial agriculture, and vast highway systems, the current estimated need for more milkweed alone is 1.5 billion additional plants. This is an instance when many hands have the ability to make lighter work.

Kinute recently had a chance to catch up with MJV’s education manager, Katie-Lyn Puffer, who offered insight into the organization’s work and what people can do to help.

Monarch eggs on milkweed. (Photo: Monarch Joint Venture)

One of the most serious threats that monarch butterflies face is habitat loss. How does MJV work to help the restoration of monarch habitat?

MJV provides technical assistance and habitat improvement efforts to private landowners, corporations, state/federal lands, and beyond. We do this by restoring acres (establishing or re-establishing the ecological balance of a landscape by planting beneficial species, including the process to properly prepare a site i.e. removing invasive species) to transform it into thriving, pollinator-friendly environments. 

Also, we enhance acres (improving existing perennial vegetation habitat sites by increasing biodiversity, integrating high quality species plugs/seed, and/or reducing undesirable woody encroachment through brush management or prescribed fire) to better support monarch populations and so much more. 

Overwintering monarch cluster in Mexico. (Photo: Monarch Joint Venture)

What are the most important things people can do to help the monarchs?

Planting habitat, specifically native milkweeds and high quality native nectar plants that will have something blooming at all times of the growing season, is one of the most impactful things people can do. 

Do some research on what is native to your region and what will work best for your space, then purchase from native plant nurseries in your area. If planting habitat isn’t an option, consider contributing to community science data on monarchs, donating to a monarch conservation, and advocating for monarchs and pollinators in your community. 

Lupine and poppy field. (Photo: Monarch Joint Venture)

Milkweed is an essential host plant for monarch butterflies. How do people know if they’re planting the correct one for their area? 

The simple answer is to ask an expert! You can do a quick internet search for native milkweeds to your region. USDA Plants is a great resource, as are many garden clubs, Extension offices, the Biota of North America Program (BONAP), etc.

Milkweed in bloom. (Photo: Monarch Joint Venture)

What other plants are important for monarch habitat?

Monarchs (and all pollinators) need nectar sources to fuel their breeding and migration. Milkweed is important as a host plant, but it is only available as nectar for a few weeks of the growing season. It’s important to plant native wildflowers so that something is blooming throughout the growing season. 

What these plants are will vary depending on your region, but some examples are golden alexander, blazing stars, coneflowers, asters, sunflowers, and goldenrod.

Monarch butterflies in a field of blazing stars. (Photo: Monarch Joint Venture)

Another notable risk for monarchs is pesticide use. Has MJV had any success in working with farmers to adopt more sustainable methods? 

MJV works with a variety of private working landowners within agricultural operations to develop habitat plans and provide best suited technical assistance for their operation. We always recommend using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to make informed, conscious, budget friendly decisions. 

MJV takes a real world approach to understanding the complexities both farmers and monarchs/pollinators are facing. 

Bumble bee on prairie coneflower. (Photo: Monarch Joint Venture)

Monarchs have come to be emblematic of the environmental movement. Why do you think people are so attracted to these tiny creatures?

Monarchs are very charismatic. Everyone has a story about them, often connecting back to their childhood or memories with a loved one. 

They’re easy to recognize and identify, ubiquitous in media already (apart from news and articles about their population decline), and at least recently common enough that most people we talk to remember encountering them at one point. This makes them an excellent flagship species for conservation—everything we do for monarchs benefits other organisms. 

What gives you hope in the fight to save the monarchs?

People care, and they care a lot. People of all ages want to help and steps to do so are relatively easy.

Overwintering monarchs clustered on a tree branch. (Photo: Monarch Joint Venture)

For more information, visit https://monarchjointventure.org/get-involved.