The many millions of monarch butterflies in the Sierra Madres mountains of central Mexico have not yet left their winter home. At this time last year, researchers from the National University of Mexico announced that the monarchs had begun to head north. On March 6, 1995 they reported that February was much hotter than normal and the monarch migration had begun. At that time they speculated the butterflies could all be gone within the next week or two. We'll keep you posted just as soon as news about this year's migration arrives.
With today's report we've included two essays written by two U.S. students who visited the sanctuaries last month as part of Blake School's student exchange with the village of Angangueo, Mexico. These students describe some of the conservation issues surrounding the monarch sanctuaries in Mexico. Environmental issues are always viewed from a variety of perspectives, and our opinions usually depend on how things affect us personally. After reading today's report, conduct the activity in the Journey North Manual called, "Cycling through Controversy: Debating Values and Viewpoints". (See page 65.)
If you're following signs of spring with Journey North you have a sense of the many changes taking place across North America as the season progress. Ice is melting, leaves are emerging and robins are moving northward. Do you think North America is ready for the monarchs' arrival from Mexico?
Challenge Question #23:
"Before the monarchs migrate through the United States and Canada, what conditions must ready in order for them to live and reproduce?"
How to Respond to Challenge Question #23:
1. Address an e-mail message to: jn-challenge@learner.org
2. In the Subject Line of your message write: Challenge Question #23
3. In the body of your message, give your answer!
The Next Monarch Butterfly Migration Update Will be Posted on March 12, 1996.
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