Monarch Conservation Program
Connecting Families, Science, and Culture Through the Magic of Monarchs Give OnlineUpcoming Events
El Valor’s Monarch Butterfly Conservation Program
El Valor’s Monarch Butterfly Conservation Program, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, combines environmental education, community engagement, and hands-on learning to inspire families and children through the wonder of monarch butterflies. Since 2009, this agency-wide initiative has provided enriching, STEAM-based experiences to over 800 children and adults with disabilities every year in our Early Head Start and Head Start programs—strengthening their connection to science, nature, and conservation.
Engaging Families and Adults in Science and Nature
Our program extends beyond the classroom and involves the entire El Valor community. Families and adults with disabilities participate in workshops on creating butterfly-friendly gardens, planting milkweed, and engaging in nature-based activities. Teachers incorporate monarch-related lessons into the curriculum, reinforcing environmental science concepts, while adult learners take part in the Monarch Ambassadors program, where they engage in butterfly research, conservation, and outreach activities. Our adults with disabilities contribute significantly by planting milkweed, searching for butterflies, and performing at the annual Monarch Butterfly Release event. Some participants even become Monarch Ambassadors, teaching others about the importance of conservation.
Our team also participates in the Annual Minneapolis Monarch Festival-Festival de la Monarca and the International Seminars on Urban Forestry to deepen our understanding and bring valuable knowledge back to our community.
The Importance of Monarch Conservation
Monarch butterflies are facing critical population declines due to habitat loss, climate change, and deforestation in Mexico. Each year, millions of monarchs migrate thousands of miles from the U.S. and Canada to the oyamel fir forests of Michoacán, Mexico. This journey is one of the most remarkable migrations in the natural world, but their numbers have been dwindling. Conservation efforts, like those championed by El Valor, play a vital role in ensuring that future generations continue to witness this incredible phenomenon.
Pollinators like monarch butterflies are essential to healthy ecosystems and global food supplies. By supporting pollinator conservation, we protect biodiversity, ensure the growth of plants and crops, and contribute to a more sustainable planet. Protecting milkweed habitats, reducing pesticide use, and supporting reforestation efforts in Mexico are all crucial steps in sustaining monarch populations.
Monarchs as a Cultural Symbol
Beyond their ecological significance, monarch butterflies hold deep cultural meaning, particularly for immigrants. Their annual migration to Michoacán, Mexico, mirrors the journeys of many families in our communities, making their conservation efforts even more meaningful. Through this program, children, parents, and adults with disabilities alike develop a sense of stewardship and pride, while also fostering environmental awareness in their homes and communities.
Join Us in Protecting Monarchs
El Valor invites families, educators, and community members to join us in our mission to preserve monarch butterflies. Whether by raising butterflies at home, planting native flowers, or participating in our workshops, everyone can contribute to the survival of these incredible creatures. Together, we can ensure that monarch butterflies continue to inspire wonder and connection for generations to come. Don’t forget to join us at our Annual Butterfly Release in September!