Municipalities Building Monarch Communities

by Elizabeth Egan

The migration of the monarch butterfly is one of the most advanced two-way migrations. At the weight of a paperclip, monarchs can travel almost 3,000 miles through three countries! Monarchs will travel from the Oyamel Fir Forest in Mexico through the United States and north to Canada in the spring. After breeding through the summer months, the new generations of monarchs travel through our backyards south to Mexico.

In recent years, monarch butterfly populations have fallen by almost 90%. Not only does this steep decline threaten the ability of future generations to enjoy this beautiful species, but it is also a sounding alarm that our ecosystems are in trouble. Monarch butterflies are an indicator species, meaning the health of the monarch population reflects the health of the ecosystem around it. When we see a decline in monarch butterflies and other pollinators, we also see a decline in species that rely on them, such as quail and other insect-eating predators.

Many factors have challenged monarch populations, including habitat loss, climate change, land usage, poorly timed mowing and herbicide applications, and changes to production in agriculture systems. A significant decline in nectar sources and milkweed in monarch breeding areas, including Missouri, are also a considerable threat. The decline in various milkweed species is particularly troublesome as they are essential for monarch survival. It is the only plant on which monarch butterflies lay eggs and essentially the only plant monarch caterpillars eat. Monarch Watch estimates that around 2.2 million acres of potential milkweed are lost each year in the United States. Without milkweed, there will be no monarchs.

The future of the monarch butterfly might seem grim, but there is hope. Scientists are discovering that urban pollinator habitats will play an even more significant role in supporting pollinator populations than anticipated. Therefore, Missourians for Monarchs is encouraging municipalities to plant native, diverse pollinator habitats. Town and city properties such as parks, median strips, community gardens and

municipal buildings can all serve as community hubs for people to learn All your recycling and waste needs, about pollinators and how they can support them in their own yards. handled by one provider.

On Oct. 27, 2021, Missourians for Monarchs hosted a webinar for the Missouri Municipal League called "Municipalities Building Monarch Communities." The goal was to help municipalities and their communities create monarch and pollinator habitats. The topics covered included the importance of community restoration; engaging underserved communities to establish pollinator habitat; how cities and towns can participate in habitat monitoring efforts; The National Wildlife Federation’s Mayors’ Monarch Learn more at RepublicServices.com Pledge; and an open Q&A session with RecyclingSimplified.com experts. If readers would like to review the presentation, a recording is available ©2020 Republic Services, Inc. by visiting www.moformonarchs.org.

Supporting pollinators in your community can be as easy as hosting a RS-130038 - Municipal services MO Magazine Ad_Piazza.indd 1native plant sale, replacing some non- 12/15/20 1:21 PM native plants on the yearly landscape order with milkweed and other native pollinator plants, or displaying educational signage at monarch gardens and pollinator habitats. However your community would like to support pollinators, Missourians for Monarchs is here to assist you through the process. With each milkweed or pollinator plant established, the quilt work of pollinator habitats will support a healthier ecosystem, reduce maintenance and cost, and provide each community with beauty for generations to come. SMITH CO. & 901 Vine St., Poplar Bluff, MO 573.785.9621 ENGINEERS AN EMPLOYEE-OWNED COMPANY WWW.SHSMITHCO.COM

Missourians for Monarchs is a collaborative of government agencies, private businesses, and nonprofit organizations committed to monarch and pollinator conservation. The initial collaborative was formed in 2015 from a grassroots statewide initiative, now known as Missouri Pollinator Network- Master Naturalists and Gardeners, to address pollinator preservation. In August of 2016, collaborative partners signed a memorandum of understanding, formalizing the new Missourians for Monarchs collaborative, and committed to creating and maintaining 19,000 acres of pollinator habitat annually for the next 20 years. Missourians for Monarchs represents various fields and industries to advocate for monarch and pollinator conservation. In 2016, the Collaborative finalized a state conservation plan, The Missouri Monarch and Pollinator Conservation Plan, making Missouri the first state in the nation to do so. The Missouri Monarch and Pollinator Conservation Plan combines the efforts of multiple entities through awareness, education, volunteerism and non-regulatory, voluntary action.

For more information, visit moformonarchs. org or email Elizabeth Egan, Communications Coordinator at eegan@ pheasantsforever.org.