Monarch Watch with the Upper Valley Land Trust

In early September, “super” monarch butterflies begin their incredible migration southward. Monarch Watch, an education, conservation, and research nonprofit, has been recruiting citizen scientists from all over North America for over 30 years to help capture and tag monarchs to aid scientists in understanding critical breeding sites, migration routes, and survival rates, and this year Upper Valley Land Trust answered the call. Monarch tagging is a unique citizen science initiative aimed at uncovering the mysteries of the monarch butterfly’s migration. Each year, millions of monarchs travel from their breeding grounds in North America to overwintering sites in Mexico. This incredible journey, often spanning over 3,000 miles, is one of the most remarkable phenomena in the natural world. But with environmental changes and habitat loss threatening their populations, it’s more important than ever to understand their migratory routes, timing, and survival rates. That’s where monarch tagging comes in. Participants will learn how to collect and tag monarch butterflies as part of the national Monarch Watch Tagging Program. This event is suitable for all ages. Tags and nets will be provided. This is a drop-in event, and participants are welcome to arrive anytime between 9-10:30 am to learn, observe and support our capturing and tagging work.  After tagging, all are welcome to explore the Ely Mountain Conservation Area’s trail or picnic at UVLT’s new timber frame pavilion. Note:  The time of this event has changed to 3-4:30 p.m. Please preregister by clicking this link.