The monarch butterfly, one of the most beloved butterflies of all time, has reached critically low numbers.
Globally, many butterfly populations are in peril. Many factors contribute to population declines, including loss of habitat, loss of host plant (milkweed) and nectar plants, increased use of herbicides and pesticides, climate change, and drought.
We need the help from citizen scientists throughout the state of Utah to ensure a viable monarch butterfly population west of the Rockies is maintained.
Community scientists play a key role in gathering information on the abundance, distribution and breeding habitat of these beautiful butterflies in Utah. Our main goal is to learn where and to what degree Utah's landscape supports breeding habitat. Citizen scientists are vital in the effort to map, record, and describe breeding of butterflies throughout the state of Utah.
There are also many other ways you can help protect and conserve butterfly populations every day. Planting host and nectar plants and creating safe habitat for butterflies is easy to do in your own yard!
