Community science draws upon data collected by community members trained to observe and create a record of their observations. Aggregating the observations of community observers allows researchers to collect more data more quickly than would be possible using more conventional methods. It's also a great opportunity for participants to learn more about species that interest them.

Community science draws on a wide variety of tools for observing and recording information. The most frequently used tool for reporting observations of monarchs is the application iNaturalist. On iNaturalist, when observers see an organism of interest, they take a photo which is then stamped with the time and location as well as an automated species identification. All the observations collected by observers are aggregated by the app and can be accessed by analysts.

Community science efforts such as the Western Monarch Count address important questions about the distribution of monarchs and milkweed across the western US. For the Western Monarch Count, the Xerces society has trained hundreds volunteers to seek and count monarch butterflies at their overwintering sites. The data they have collected for over 25 years is used by scientists, land managers, media, and educational institutions for documenting population trends. 

In recent years, other projects have included documentation of early spring dispersal patterns (Western Monarch Mystery Challenge) as well as identification of the maximum breeding population size and distribution in mid-summer (International Monarch Monitoring Blitz).  The Monarch Larva Monitoring Project tracks monarch eggs, larvae, and milkweed throughout North America. Local efforts such as those of the Pollinator Posse document the role that home gardens can play in monarch recovery.

NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

These national organizations support the conservation of monarchs and other important species.

Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation is an international non-profit organization that protects the natural world through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitats. They conduct their own research and rely on that of other organizations to guide their work. Key program areas are pollinator conservation, endangered species conservation, and reduction of pesticide use and impacts. They conduct two annual counts of western monarchs in overwintering sites. Click here to learn more about their work on behalf of monarchs.

The Monarch Joint Venture is a nonprofit organization building a national partnership of federal and state agencies, other nonprofits, community groups, businesses, and academic programs working together to conserve monarch butterflies and other pollinators. Additionally, the MJV funds its partners to carry out priority actions identified by the organization and provides accessible educational information on monarchs to the public. Click here to see their monarch database resource guide, a comprehensive list of the growing number of research projects and community science programs that are collecting data on the status of monarchs throughout the country and measuring the impact of conservation efforts.

LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS

These local organizations focus on habitat restoration for monarchs and other pollinators in Marin County.

California Native Plant Society (Marin Chapter) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of California native plants and their natural habitats, and to increasing the understanding, appreciation, and horticultural use of native plants. The Marin Chapter organizes field trips, volunteer opportunities, and native plant sales. Their website is loaded with information about plants in the wild and in the garden.

Environmental Action Committee of West Marin works towards the long-term protection and conservation of the unique ecosystems of West Marin, which includes several coastal communities as well as three national parks, three state parks, open space, agricultural lands, and private land. Their website outlines how policy, science, and law are involved in protecting West Marin’s wildlife, habitat, watersheds, wilderness, and the coastline.

Home Ground Habitats supplies seedlings and seed for school gardens and other habitat restoration projects throughout the county. Check out their website for ideas on creating a habitat for monarchs or stop by their presentation garden in Novato to see the landscaping, sign up for a plant propagation class, and buy California native plants directly.

Pollinator Posse creates pollinator-friendly landscaping and fosters appreciation of local ecosystems through outreach and education.  Check out their website for information on pollinator plant lists, seed sources, volunteer opportunities, and how-to articles, books, and videos.

 Refugia Marin restores neglected public land in Marin County with native plant habitats, thereby promoting biodiversity, reducing water usage, and fostering environmental stewardship. They also educate the community on sustainable gardening.

 Salmon Protection and Watershed Network (SPAWN) organizes habitat restoration projects in the Lagunitas Creek watershed, operates a native plant nursery, acquires and protects biologically sensitive lands in California, provides technical consulting on habitat improvement projects for local landowners, and offers educational programs for young children.

 UC Marin Master Gardeners are graduates of an intensive course in horticulture and sustainable landscape practices taught by University of California faculty and staff, landscape and nursery professionals, and local horticulture educators. Their website offers a wealth of practical information about the selection, propagation, and care of plants. They provide seeds and plants to community gardens as well as contributing to their restoration and ongoing maintenance.