Webinar: Monarch Butterfly Conservation within Agroecosystems

An agricultural scientist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in New Haven, Conn., will speak about her efforts to promote monarch butterfly conservation during the Iowa Learning Farms weekly webinar Feb. 1 at noon Central time.

Kelsey Fisher’s research focuses on insect movement ecology and its relationships to animal movement behavior and spatial configuration of resources. She works in the field, greenhouse and lab to address research questions related to monarch butterfly conservation in agroecosystems.

In the webinar, “Monarch Butterfly Biology, Ecology and Conservation Needs,” Fisher will highlight the outcomes of collaborative work on monarch butterfly conservation conducted at Iowa State University, including the notable suggestion that milkweed and nectar resources be planted within 50 meters of established habitat to create a functionally connected landscape that facilitates monarch movement. Fisher will also provide examples of how her research methods, including radio telemetry, population genetics, stable isotope analysis, geospatial analyses and spatial modeling, contribute to monarch conservation strategies.

Iowa Learning Farms is an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach conservation and water quality education program.

“Monarch butterflies may be small in size, but they play a significant agroeconomic role, and it is crucial for stakeholders to work together to understand and implement successful conservation strategies that will increase the population,” said Fisher. “Understanding monarch butterfly biology and ecology is fundamental to designing robust management strategies that will preserve these insects while supporting agricultural needs.”

Participants are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.

To participate in the live webinar, shortly before noon CST Feb. 1:

Click this URL, or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172.

Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID 364 284 172.

Or, join from a dial-in phone line by dialing +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923, meeting ID 364 284 172.

The webinar will also be recorded and archived. All archived webinars are available on the ILF website, so that they can be watched at any time.

ILF has applied for a Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit for attending this webinar. Those who participate in the live webinar are eligible. Information about how to apply to receive the CEU will be provided at the end of the live webinar.