The Monarch is a formerly abundant butterfly species that has experienced dramatic and widespread declines since the early 1990’s. Conservation efforts are underway across the US to understand and take action to stop this decline. In this three-part program series, participants will learn about Monarch natural history, conservation concerns, and how to create valuable habitat for Monarchs and other native pollinators in their own backyard. With the support of NH Audubon staff, each participant will be coached through designing a Monarch Waystation that they can plant in their own yard, neighborhood, or workplace. Waystations are patches of habitat containing native plantings to support Monarch butterflies through their full annual cycle. Such native plantings also have direct benefits to other pollinator species.

The three sessions of this program will cover the following topics and activities:

Session 1: Overview of Monarch natural history and conservation, including:

• Life cycle
• Habitat requirements
• Seasonal migration
• Threats to Monarch populations
• Conservation strategies
• NOTE: This session is classroom-based and will be held in the PSNH Room at the McLane Center. These facilities are accessible to people with all levels of mobility.

Session 2: Monarch Waystation tour

• Review life cycle and habitat requirements for each life stage
• Identify host plant species for larva
• Identify nectar plant species for adults
• Discuss nontarget benefits to native pollinators
• Explore garden design to maximize benefit to Monarchs
• Learn about garden maintenance schedule
• NOTE: This session will primarily take place outdoors. We will meet in the PSNH room at the McLane Center before heading outside to explore the pollinator garden and meadow. All of the outdoor spaces we will explore contain accessible trails for people with all levels of mobility. Please plan to wear outdoor-appropriate clothing and footwear. Clipboards, writing utensils, handouts, and interpretive materials will be provided.

Session 3: Designing and planning the planting of your Monarch Waystation

• Review/reflect on garden visit experience, with a focus on main design elements:
• Identify Monarch Waystation candidate site(s) in participant yards or in greater community
• Create a Waystation design
• Share resources for plant/seed sourcing, labor, maintenance
• Discuss how to register your Monarch Waystation with Monarch Watch
• NOTE: This session will be a classroom-based, hands-on workshop located in the PSNH Room at the McLane Center. These facilities are accessible to people with all levels of mobility. Writing utensils, handouts, and interpretive materials will be provided.

Participants should plan to be available to attend all three sessions.

The Monarch Waystation program series is free to attend. If you feel inspired to support NH Audubon’s work, please consider a gift to our Annual Fund at nhaudubon.org/donate. Your contribution supports priorities like monarch conservation and pollinator habitat creation across New Hampshire.

Contact Project Biologist Lindsay Herlihy with any questions.