There are many ways to get involved in monarch/pollinator conservation, including national and international efforts. There are also California and Bay Area monarch and pollinator groups, programs, and resources that may interest you. Below are some resources that are listed in order of proximity to Contra Costa County, with the most local resource listed first.
East Bay Monarch Work Group
The East Bay Monarch Work Group was started in 2020 and meets approximately once a month to discuss monarch conservation topics and hear presentations by pollinator conservation scientists and other experts. Group members live or work in the East Bay Area and include interested community members, natural resource professionals, scientists, land managers, and others. If you are interested in joining or learning more about the group, please contact us.
The group’s mission is: “We aim to protect and conserve the wild western monarch butterfly population by increasing coordination of monarch conservation efforts in the East Bay. We will identify threats to monarchs and obstacles that hinder restoration of the monarch population in the East Bay, and we will provide guidance on how to reduce those threats and obstacles through outreach and education. We support the establishment, restoration, and enhancement of monarch breeding, migratory, and overwintering habitat.”
University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR)
UC ANR “works hand in hand with industry to enhance agricultural markets, help the balance of trade, address environmental concerns, protect plant health, and provide farmers with scientifically tested production techniques and Californians with increased food safety.” They have an insect blog that often features stories about pollinators: BUG SQUAD: Happenings in the insect world.
Pollinator Posse
The Pollinator Posse creates pollinator-friendly landscaping and fosters appreciation of local ecosystems through outreach, education, and direct action.
The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation
Check out Pollinator Conservation Resources: California and Bring Back the Pollinators.
Pollinator Partnership
Check out Bee Friendly Farming Resources.
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In community science (also referred to as “citizen science”), “the public participates voluntarily in the scientific process, addressing real-world problems in ways that may include formulating research questions, conducting scientific experiments, collecting and analyzing data, interpreting results, making new discoveries, developing technologies and applications, and solving complex problems.” (Definition is from https://www.citizenscience.gov/about/#.)
Below are just a few of the numerous community science projects that are perfect for those who are interested in getting involved in pollinator conservation.
Western Monarch Milkweed Mapper
One of the easiest ways to help monarchs is to add your milkweed and monarch sightings to the Western Monarch Milkweed Mapper. The information you report helps researchers get a better idea of the areas to protect and restore. You can report sightings to the Mapper (on a computer), to iNaturalist (on a computer, iPhone app, or Android app), or to the Monarch SOS app (on iPhone).
Monarch Larva Monitoring Project
Integrated Monarch Monitoring Program
You can also participate in the Western Monarch Thanksgiving and New Year Counts. These counts are the primary way the status of the western monarch population is assessed.
Not sure which monarch community science project is for you?
Check out this excellent guide from The Monarch Joint Venture to help you decide!
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Xerces Society Publications
Many Xerces Society publications are free online, and others can be purchased or checked out at your local library. Some of our favorites include:
Monarch Conservation: A Guide to Saving America’s Butterfly
Western Monarchs Are in Trouble: This Is How You Can Help
Monarch Nectar Plants: California
100 Plants to Feed the Monarch: Create a Healthy Habitat to Sustain America’s Most Beloved Butterfly
Milkweeds: A Conservation Practitioner's Guide
Monarch Joint Venture Publications
Many Monarch Joint Venture publications are free online. Some of our favorites include:
Monarch Conservation: How to Get Involved
Monarch Citizen Science
Constructing Healthy Habitat for Monarchs
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EcoVillage Farm: Beekeeping Apprenticeship Program
Diablo Valley College Horticulture Department (Integrated Pest Management and other courses)
Merritt College Horticulture Department (Beneficial Beasts in the Garden and Landscape, Integrated Pest Management, and other courses).
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Local Pollinator Gardens
Many Contra Costa cities, towns, neighborhoods, and schools have pollinator gardens. Some of these gardens are listed below. To find out about volunteer opportunities at these gardens, please reach out to the contact provided for each on their respective websites.
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