What is monarch recovery?

Monarch butterfly recovery efforts refer to activities undertaken to help restore and protect monarch butterfly populations, which have been declining in recent years due to habitat loss, climate change, pesticide use, and other factors.

Some key initiatives in monarch recovery include:

• Planting and protecting milkweed, which is the primary food source for monarch caterpillars.
• Creating butterfly-friendly habitats by planting native flowers and other plants that provide nectar for adult butterflies.
• Collaborating with agricultural producers to implement monarch-friendly practices, such as establishing corridors of vegetation along crop fields.
• Monitoring and studying monarch populations to better understand their behavior, habitat needs, and responses to environmental changes.
• Educating the public about the importance of monarch butterflies and how individuals can help support their recovery.

Efforts to recover monarch populations are typically led by a combination of government agencies, non-profit organizations, scientists, educators, and community members working together to protect this iconic species.