Monarch Tagging and Meadow Restoration Connect Community to Nature

Analesa Continenza | Writer

Participants carefully tag monarch butterflies before releasing them to continue their migration journey to Mexico.

On Sept. 20, a mix of older and newer residents gathered at Louise W. Moore Park in Easton for a hands-on experience with monarch butterflies and meadow restoration.

The Wildlands Conservancy, partnering with Monarch Watch, allowed participants to tag butterflies while learning about their migration and the importance of native habitats. Wildlands Conservancy is a non-profit organization that helps restore and protect natural areas and educate others for a healthier future.

“The inspiration for the monarch tagging program grew out of the desire to connect people directly to one of nature’s most incredible migrations,” said Nicole Landis, one of the directors of the program. “Each fall, monarchs travel thousands of miles to overwintering grounds in Mexico, and tagging them helps track that journey.” 

Monarch Watch, located at the University of Kansas, began as a small, staff-led initiative to track the butterflies’ fall journey to Mexico. Over the years, it has grown into a community-wide effort, blending conservation science with education. This year, participants not only tagged monarchs but also helped plant milkweed, goldenrod, asters, and native grasses to support local pollinators and transform unused grasslands into meadows. The meadows help shape the whole initiative because without food to support butterflies and other pollinators, the monarchs would be extinct.

“Tagging a monarch gives you a personal connection to their journey, but restoring a meadow shows how your actions help them locally,” said Kate Ebel, Senior Restoration Ecologist.

Participants agreed that the best part of the day was the engagement in tagging butterflies, contributing to conservation efforts in a meaningful way. This local involvement has broader implications, as it connects to the butterflies’ migratory journeys to Mexico. Such experiences can inspire individuals to create their own pollinator gardens. The collective participation highlights the significant impact that small actions can have on the environment, leaving lasting positive impacts on the ecosystem.