Citizen Science
Tracking Monarch Butterfly Migration
![Welcome Citizen Scientists Citizen science involves everyday people in the process of scientific research. Across North America, citizen scientists contribute sightings of monarch butterflies each fall and spring. They report migrating monarchs, monarch eggs, monarch larvae and the first milkweed of spring. They report migrating monarchs, monarch eggs, monarch larvae and the first milkweed of spring.](/sites/default/files/styles/article_featured_image/public/2017-09/01_Monarch_Tithonia2_BudHensley_0.jpg?itok=3YETz-3A)
Welcome Citizen Scientists
Citizen science involves everyday people in the process of scientific research. Across North America, citizen scientists contribute sightings of monarch butterflies each fall and spring. They report migrating monarchs, monarch eggs, monarch larvae and the first milkweed of spring. They report migrating monarchs, monarch eggs, monarch larvae and the first milkweed of spring.
![Sharing Observations When you report your own observations to real-time migration maps, you contribute information that can be used for scientific research. Citizen scientists expand the possibilities for understanding and discovery.](/sites/default/files/styles/article_featured_image/public/2017-09/02_monarch_spring2011_0.gif?itok=wwyP_otl)
Sharing Observations
When you report your own observations to real-time migration maps, you contribute information that can be used for scientific research. Citizen scientists expand the possibilities for understanding and discovery.
![Why Important? Backyard observations help scientists explore how monarchs respond to weather, climate and the changing seasons. This information reveals interconnections in nature, and how changes can affect ecosystems.](/sites/default/files/styles/article_featured_image/public/2017-09/03_102711_1_3.jpg?itok=IXIsMnfa)
Why Important?
Backyard observations help scientists explore how monarchs respond to weather, climate and the changing seasons. This information reveals interconnections in nature, and how changes can affect ecosystems.
![Pieces of the Puzzle Journey North keeps monarch butterfly sightings in a permanent database. Each sighting becomes a part of the historical record. Over time, this long-term data reveals patterns and trends.](/sites/default/files/styles/article_featured_image/public/2017-09/04_tag_recovered_ga1285072582_800_0.jpg?itok=3de-AXE4)
Pieces of the Puzzle
Journey North keeps monarch butterfly sightings in a permanent database. Each sighting becomes a part of the historical record. Over time, this long-term data reveals patterns and trends.