Today's Report Includes:

• The Migration: Maps, Questions and Highlights
  • Cool Temperatures Slow Things Down
• Journal: What Story Does this Graph Tell?
• Volunteers Needed: Monarch Larva Monitoring Project
• Symbolic Migration: Kids Are Waiting, Please Report!
• Year-end Evaluation: Please Share Your Thoughts
• Links: Monarch Butterfly Resources to Explore

Why the red flags? >>

Journal Page
What Story Does This Graph Tell?
Weekly Sightings Spring 2009

Not Butterfly Weather!
Cloudy, cold, windy and rainy...that's the weather report from much of the north where monarchs have yet to appear widely. Temperatures have averaged at least 5 degrees below normal across central Canada, the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast for several weeks. The jet stream seems stuck in its winter postion. This is not butterfly weather! These cool conditions are also slowing the development of monarchs through their egg, larva and chysalis stages. Slow generation-times early in the breeding season are one factor that could cause a small monarch population later this summer. Let's hope the north warms up and monarchs get growing and moving!

Noteworthy this week:

• Northernmost monarch: Evidence that monarchs have reached latitude 47 north came this week from Mr. Tom Uecker who spotted monarch eggs in Duluth, Minnesota.
• Northernmost milkweed: Milkweed has emerged in Winnipeg, Manitoba, at latitude 50 N, according to three observers there. There will be food there for hungry caterpillars if the monarchs keep traveling.
• Southernmost first monarch: David Miller finally saw his first monarch at latitude 40 N in Canaan Valley, West Virginia on June 8th. Because of its high elevation, Canaan Valley is noted for its "Canada-like" weather, with cold, snowy winters and cool summers, says Miller. Remember how the monarchs appeared to miss the Appalachian Mountains back in April? Take a look!

Milkweed is ready in Manitoba!

You can help scientists study monarch populations by establishing your own study site.

• Visit the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project website to find out how to participate.

Why is this study important?
The data volunteers collect are important in advancing our understanding of the factors that drive monarch populations, says Dr. Oberhauser. This is the only study that monitors the monarch population during the breeding season across North America. The results show scientists how abundant monarchs are in different geographic regions. Scientists need to know what factors cause the monarch population to rise and fall the way it does.

You can participate in Monarch Larva Monitoring Project

Over 60,000 children sent symbolic monarchs to Mexico. So far, 19,100 butterflies have been reported to the map. This means nearly 40,900 children are still waiting to find their butterflies! Teachers: Please help by reporting the butterflies you received. Thank you!

• Add to the map
• View map
• See list

Kids are waiting— please report! >>

Please take a few minutes to complete our Year-end Evaluation. With your help, we can we document Journey North's reach, impact and value. We need comments like yours to keep the program going and growing.

Thank you! >>

Year-end Evaluation