MONARCH CONSERVATION PROGRAM
Our Monarch Conservation Program takes a multi-faceted approach to saving this resilient pollinator. We have an interactive youth learning program called Active Pollinators (in development), and a repopulation effort, mobilizing the community by undergoing habitat projects.
Monarch Butterfly Repopulation Effort
This effort is a part of our Monarch Conservation Program and aims to help restore the monarch butterfly for both eastern and western populations
What's Going On
The monarch is due to be extinct by 2080 and the US Fish and Wildlife Service is officially calling on the public to help restore their drastically declining numbers.
By 2080 there is a 90% chance the monarch species may be gone from the face of the Earth. This butterfly is not your average pollinator as its most notable for its exceptional and unparalleled migration.
The western population overwinters in California, while the eastern population in Mexico.
During this migration, the monarch experiences many hardships that continue to get worse and have defined the decline of this spectacular species.
The persistent use of toxic chemicals like pesticides, the ever-growing threat of climate change, decimation of natural ecosystems through urbanization and reckless development, and the threat to overwintering sites in Mexico due to legal & illegal logging operations are at the fore-front of this population collapse.
While this is greatly the residual effects of our current stage of human consciousness in regard to our connection with nature, we can start to turn this around with action and awareness. See how you can help...
Restored Lands™ is also working on an educational & interactive youth program around this effort and plans to deploy it next year.
Stay tuned on our social media or newsletter.
How You Can Help
Work with Restored Lands
Locals of the Arkansas Valley (Salida & BV areas), Restored Lands invites you this season, to provide space for a monarch butterfly habitat. We will fund the project and use volunteers to plant milkweed and native nectar plants in an agreed upon area in the fall. Private landowners are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity!
Corporate Social Responsibility opportunities also an option for local businesses.
Registration closed for 2025 – will reopen March 2026!
Educate Your Friends!
Talk to your friends and family, let them know the major points, but be sure not to overwhelm them. The less involved people are, the easier it can be to turn them away, so start small and engage as necessary.
Be sure to mention:
1. The species has a scheduled extinction date: 2080
2. Causes are due to:
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pesticide use in farming/gardening
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reckless development and urbanization
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Climate change is throwing off the natural growth and abundance of resources as well as migration patterns, even breeding
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Loss of overwintering sites from logging
3. Invite them to follow in your footsteps as an advocator and habitat creator.
4. Remember instead of filling people with facts, try to help them understand why these things are damaging and the importance of taking action.
Plant Your Own Habitat
If you have some land you are fortunate to call your own, consider creating your own habitat! You'll need do the region-specific research for all necessary things that will make your effort a success. You can also start with our article here. Look for the migration map and start there!
The biggest thing to be stressed –aside form a qualified site– is using native plants. This will not only give the pollinators a useful & sustainable garden but will reduce the possibility for invasive species, and other issues.
If you're having trouble buying seeds or would like to support us, feel free to take advantage of our free seed offering running in to the fall!
Enjoy Your Work
Spend time in your garden, appreciate the work you've done for the pollinators and for yourself. Learn about the different plants you have planted, watch them grow with the season and connect with this new source of life and regrowth you have brought into the word.
Your work is done for us all. Believe it or not, each and every one of us participating in a brighter future is impacting the way even the ones who aren't even concerned with it are thinking about it. Your contribution is one to the collective consciousness and that deserves a big thank you.
Keep it up and keep on blooming, you!
Habitat Project Upcoming Events
Join us for our fall '25 habitat project in Salida, CO! Volunteer for our site prep day and/or the seed sowing day below!
No events at the moment
Articles by Restored Lands
Free Milkweed Seeds
We are giving out free seed packets to anyone interested in planting a monarch habitat! You will get some milkweed, anywhere from 1-3 species, as well as some other monarch favorites.
If you'd like to participate, it is completely free! However, if these free programs are something you enjoy & find value in, consider adding a donation so we can keep stuff like this going for everybody!
Restored Lands is running a free seed offering through planting season. We will send monarch butterfly & pollinator seeds to participants and hold no liability after seeds are sent. This is a no strings attached offering to the public. 2025's seeds are sourced from Everwilde Farms.
Monarch Butterfly Habitat Sign Up Colorado only –– Registration Closed for 2025
Locals of the Arkansas Valley (Salida & BV areas), Restored Lands invites you this season, to provide space for a monarch butterfly habitat. We will fund the project and use volunteers to plant milkweed and native nectar plants in an agreed upon area. Private landowners and eligible local business owners are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity! Planting begins in fall.