Help SAVE The Eastern Monarch Butterfly From Extinction
Donation protected
Save the Eastern Monarch Butterfly
The Eastern Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus), once a common sight and symbol of nature’s beauty, is now at increasing risk of extinction. Their population has declined sharply over the past 25 years, with a 22% drop in 2023 alone. In the 1980s, the population had already declined by more than 80%, and some estimates suggest numbers are now down to 5% of what they were a few decades ago, making 2023/2024 the second worst year ever recorded.
The decline of this species is largely attributed to climate change, habitat loss, and pesticide use. The monarch butterfly's plight serves as a dire warning for broader environmental health, reflecting the fragile balance within our ecosystems and the looming threats posed by biodiversity loss.
In response to this alarming decline, we launched the Inwood Butterfly Sanctuary in 2019. At that time, we recognized the growing challenges monarch butterflies faced, but we did not anticipate the situation would become so dire.
To address these challenges, we expanded our mission from habitat restoration, planting, and distributing native common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) to active conservation and repopulation strategies. We engaged regional butterfly breeders and enhanced our raise-and-release program to bolster local monarch populations, using techniques to ensure higher survival rates in a highly predatory environment. Our innovative habitat management allows caterpillars to thrive on living plants throughout their metamorphosis, emerging as butterflies ready to be released into optimal conditions.
These efforts are not just about saving a species; they're about preserving the rich tapestry of biodiversity that sustains our planet. Our educational initiatives bring the wonder of the monarch's life cycle into classrooms, providing children with an intimate look at nature's miracles through our portable vivariums. This hands-on experience fosters a deep, enduring connection with the natural world, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.
The Inwood Butterfly Sanctuary’s Initiatives Include:
1. Habitat Restoration: Planting milkweed and other native plants to create suitable environments for monarchs.
2. Population Enhancement: Raising and releasing butterflies to bolster their numbers.
3. Advocacy and Education: Hosting presentations and workshops to spread awareness and educate the public.
4. Waystation Creation: Assisting in the establishment of butterfly gardens.
5. Tagging Monarchs: Tracking their migration patterns to gather critical data.
6. Public Engagement: Utilizing media to highlight conservation issues and mobilize support.
A key aspect of our approach is engaging children in hands-on learning experiences, fostering a connection with nature that is crucial for long-term conservation efforts. By witnessing the life cycle of butterflies and understanding their ecological roles, children and their families become more invested in preserving these species.
Financial and community support are crucial for sustaining these efforts. The Inwood Butterfly Sanctuary operates on donations and volunteer work, facing significant costs in maintaining habitats, programming, and raising butterflies. The sanctuary has garnered support through local collaborations, media exposure, and public events aimed at spreading the message and rallying community involvement.
The Inwood Butterfly Sanctuary’s dedication to saving the monarch butterfly highlights a broader environmental mission. Our work underscores the interconnectedness of all species and the urgent need for collective action to combat environmental degradation. The monarch’s struggle symbolizes a larger battle for biodiversity and environmental health, emphasizing that every small action contributes to a larger solution.
Please contribute financially, spread awareness, and participate in conservation activities to ensure the survival of monarch butterflies and, by extension, the health of our planet. The continuation of projects like the Inwood Butterfly Sanctuary is vital for fostering a future where both nature and humanity can thrive together.
Visit us at 630 Isham, NY, NY 10034 or online at Inwood Butterfly Sanctuary
(www.inwoodbutterflysanctuary.org) to learn more. Donate now and be part of the butterfly rescue! Thank you for making a difference!
Media links:
The impact of our initiative received recognition from Spectrum NY1 in being named Inwood's New Yorkers of the Week. https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2021/08/02/new-yorker-of-the-week--keith-de-cesare
A short 1 minute reel about the Inwood Butterfly Sanctuary from a couple years back.
Organizer
Vanessa De Cesare
Organizer
New York, NY