Monitoring Background
The Monarch Larval Monitoring Project (MLMP) is a citizen science project involving volunteers from across the United States and Canada in monarch research. It was developed by researchers at the University of Minnesota to collect long-term data on larval monarch populations and milkweed habitat. The overarching goal of the project is to better understand how and why monarch populations vary in time and space, with a focus on monarch distribution and abundance during the breeding season in North America. More specific questions we are addressing include:
- How do larval monarch population densities fluctuate throughout the breeding season in different parts of North America?
- At what larval stages does the highest mortality occur?
- What is the net reproductive potential for summer breeding monarchs?
- What plant qualities affect female monarch host plant choice and how does this vary between milkweed species?
- What is the timing of movement of reproductive monarchs throughout their breeding range?
- How does monarch recruitment vary with larval habitat size and degree of disturbance?
To answer these questions, we have recruited volunteers to conduct weekly monarch and milkweed surveys, measuring per plant densities of monarch eggs and larvae and milkweed quality. The results of these volunteers' efforts will aid us in conserving monarchs and their threatened migratory phenomenon, and advance our understanding of butterfly ecology in general.
The second, equally important focus of this project is to provide citizens
with hands-on experience in scientific research. It is our hope that,
through this experience, volunteers will enhance their appreciation and understanding
of monarchs, monarch habitat, and the scientific process in general. The
Monarch Larval Monitoring Project is a potential model for future citizen
science endeavors.
 Click here to see Real-Time map of all monitoring sites |
In the first nine years of the project (1997-2005), more than 600 participants monitored 514 sites in 34 US states and 2 Canadian provinces (map shows site locations). Monitoring sites range from undeveloped areas such as nature preserves and restored prairies to developed areas such as roadsides and backyard gardens. View detailed Monitoring data in Results
Does this project interest you? We welcome new volunteers! Please see our directions for participation to sign up and begin monitoring monarchs in your area.
Why Participate?
Does your heart soar and fill with wonder when a monarch flutters by? Are you concerned about the monarch population or wild species in general? The Monarch Larva Monitoring Project (MLMP) is an exciting way for monarch and nature enthusiasts to contribute basic knowledge about monarch population dynamics, and foster monarch and habitat conservation. Help from citizens across the country gives scientists a far bigger picture of the health of the monarch population. Your involvement is the key!
MLMP volunteers are always learning. During Nature Center training sessions, volunteers learn about monarch biology, practice monitoring and data entry protocols, and receive all of the materials necessary to conduct monitoring. Or, you can learn on your own with our online directions. Learning to monitor is only the beginning; your observations and data collection activities will invoke awareness of and curiosity about the local environment. Volunteers communicate with monarch scientists with their questions and concerns through email. All data are compiled by scientists and made available to volunteers. So, you'll see your direct contribution to increased understanding of the monarch population.
Monitoring can be done alone or with others. The MLMP is a terrific way to introduce young adults to field science and the love of nature. Monitoring is also a passion to share with a friend or relative.
The best reason to participate in the MLMP is your enthusiasm: about monarchs, nature, conservation, and continued learning. Please consider signing up today, contact us for further information on how to become a MLMP volunteer, or check to see if there will be a training session at a Nature Center near you. We hope to hear from you!