📸 John Lowry

 

Become a Monarch Citizen Scientist

by John Lowry and Cheryl Anderson, South Shore Joint Initiative

Our Monarch Monitoring Project involves collecting Monarch data and submitting it to the Biodiversity of Prince Edward County's South Shore project on iNaturalist. iNaturalist is an online social network where people share biodiversity information to help each other learn about nature. SSJI’s board member, John Lowry, initiated the project and is an active contributor to iNaturalist with his expertise, photography, and time.

We outlined the project in the webinar, which explains how to collect and submit the data to iNaturalist. In the webinar, Cheryl and John discuss monitoring for Monarchs through the summer and Monarch roosts as we move into fall. Monarchs begin to arrive in Prince Edward County in June. Through July and August, eggs, caterpillars, pupae and adult Monarchs can be found. Moving into late August and September roosts of many Monarchs preparing for migration can be seen in the South Shore area. The data collected helps to assess the present biodiversity of our region. Information on iNaturalist can provide researchers with important data on population trends of the Monarch butterfly.

 

If you want to learn more about South Shore iNaturalist project and learn how you can contribute, visit our resource page here.

 

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Monarch Roost monitoring target sites (maps by John Lowry)

The eight target areas exhibit characteristics commonly associated with Monarch roost sites. They are close to water, are close to food sources (nectaring plants) and have appropriate foliage for the monarchs to roost in.

Generally, the peak time to observe monarch roosts along the South Shore has been determined to be the first two weeks of September. The purpose of the survey is to collect data on when and where the roosts occur. This will aid in increasing our knowledge of this interesting phenomenon and guide actions taken to protect these areas.

All eight areas are on public land, either Monarch Point Conservation Reserve or Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area. Be mindful and make sure to leave no trace when exploring these beautiful but fragile areas.

Maps created by John Lowry:

Monarch Day 2024

Hot and humid weather did not deter over fifty participants from attending the South Shore Joint Initiative’s ‘Monarch Monitoring Blitz’ event held on July 28th, at the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Hudgin-Rose property alongside Monarch Point Conservation Reserve.

The event coincided nicely with international efforts to focus attention on the plight of the iconic Monarch butterfly.

Several display tables were situated beside the heritage-designated Hudgin House. Barb Tomlin was on hand to paint Monarch-themed decorations on arms and faces; Cheryl Chapman of SSJI’s Wild Thing program and Eli Drummond of the Nature Conservancy of Canada presented informative and interesting educational displays. John Lowry explained SSJI’s Monarch Roost Survey project to be held in the first two weeks of September. Eight possible roost areas have been identified. Participants will be asked to monitor an area several times over the two weeks. The project is a continuation of the work carried out by and in conjunction with the Canadian Wildlife Federation.

Monarch Day participants were separated into two groups to explore the local habitat for Monarch eggs, caterpillars and adults. While searching for Monarchs, the observers were treated to views of other butterflies and insects, including Swallowtail and American Lady butterflies, grasshoppers, spiders and Praying Mantises. They reported a few Monarch caterpillars and a generous number of eggs attached to the numerous milkweed plants. Since it takes about four days for the caterpillars to hatch from the eggs, it was perhaps a week early to see many caterpillars. Adult Monarchs were in good supply, not only on Monarch Point Conservation Reserve and the Hudgin-Rose Nature Reserve, but also along the South Shore roadsides.

Following the main event, several participants continued to the Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area for a short Monarch tour conducted by Cheryl Chapman. The walk in the National Wildlife Area yielded few Monarch egg sitings but again found several adults. Thank you to everyone who participated in SSJI’s annual Monarch Day event.

Photos by John Lowry:

  

  

 

Photos by Katherine Rogalska:

  

  

Click here to see additional photos taken by John Foster in the August edition of The South Shoreliner 

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