Expert to discuss biology, show tagging methods and discuss conservation efforts
OTTAWA, Kan. — On April 1, 2025, the Frontier Extension District will host a meeting focused on several important aspects of the Monarch butterfly. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Neosho County Community College, located at 900 East Logan St. in Ottawa.
Kristen Baum, director of Monarch Watch and professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Kansas, will be the guest speaker for the evening. Her current research focuses on the management of pollinators, with a strong emphasis on the monarch butterfly. In addition to her own research, Baum works with conservation groups nationwide to support the protection and management of pollinators.
At this meeting, Baum will provide an overview of the mo narch butterfly, including its biology and ecology. By understanding how the butterfly lives, we can better manage our lands for their well-being. Baum will discuss new conservation efforts and show how one method, butterfly tagging, is done and used to help the species. Baum is highly passionate about this topic and hopes to share her knowledge to better educate others on one of the most iconic butterflies.
The monarch in North America is grouped into the eastern or western migratory population. The eastern population overwinters in Mexico and has seen an 80% decrease in population since the 1980s. The western population overwinters in California and has experienced a 95% decline in population, making the odds for extinction nearly 99% by 2080. Because the butterflies see no borders, the conservation efforts must not as well. This has led to the creation of the North American Monarch Conservation Program and the Trilateral Monarch Butterfly Sister Protected Area Network, working with the United States, Canada and Mexico to increase and restore monarch habitats.
In December of 2024, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) proposed protection under the Endangered Species Act for the monarch. USFWS uses the butterfly’s status as “one of the most recognizable insects in the world” to encourage the public to support the proposal, which will both promote economic growth and improve conservation efforts for the butterfly.
To register for the April 1st meeting, complete a registration form at one of the Frontier District offices in Garnett, Lyndon or Ottawa, or contact Lauren Gammill at laurengammill@ksu.edu or 785-229-3520. You may also register at the door at Neosho County Community College in Ottawa the evening of the meeting. If you have questions, contact Gammill directly.
