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Riled Up is a journal of science, the environment, exploration, new technology, and related commentary.  Contributors include scientists, explorers, engineers, and others who provide perspectives and context not typically offered in general news circulation.  For interested readers, additional resources are included.

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Monarch Butterflies & the Citizen Scientist
Hugh Bollinger
/ Categories: Environmental, science, video

Monarch Butterflies & the Citizen Scientist

                                           Monarch Butterfly (credit: Wiki-commons)

Monarch butterflies migrate from Canada and the USA into Mexico where they winter in mountain conifer forests. Their mass migrations have dwindled to low levels from multiple threats: destruction of the milkweed plants their caterpillars feed upon; pesticides sprayed on agricultural fields; deforestation in their winter habitat; and general environmental abuse. The butterflies are dying from these accumulated stresses.

Author and lecturer Mary Ellen Hannibal has an idea that could help save these famous insects:  recruit citizen scientists. Hannibal suggests grassroots volunteers are already playing an important role in measuring the butterfly's dwindling populations. She presented her ideas at a recent TED conference at Stanford University.

Additional efforts you could do or schools, and community groups would add to the recovery of the Monarchs. A list of 10 practical ways was offered by a Texas newspaper, one the the primary states along the path of the butterfly's migrations.

WHB

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