FMR launches new volunteer pollinator monitoring program

Do you get excited when you spot the first monarch butterfly each year? Do you enjoy identifying plants and pollinators when you're out for a hike? FMR may have just the volunteer opportunity for you.

This year, thanks to funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and other generous donors, FMR is expanding volunteer opportunities to monitor and collect data on monarch butterflies at our restoration sites in Elk River, Inver Grove Heights and Hastings.

"I've really enjoyed working with a handful of volunteers to monitor pollinators over the past couple of years. I'm excited to focus on monarchs this season and work with new volunteers at new sites," said FMR Pollinator Biologist Dr. Julia Leone. "Learning more about how FMR's restorations support monarchs will help us improve our habitat management practices. Plus, it's just fun to work with fellow butterfly fans."

In "PEP" — the Pollinator Evaluation Program — Julia will train volunteers to identify monarchs at key points in their lifespan and submit observations to assess the impact of restoration efforts and contribute to long-term monarch population monitoring across their range.

After two required trainings, one on May 6 and one on-site (dates vary), volunteers will monitor sites weekly or biweekly through Labor Day. Volunteers will spend 25-40 hours on the program, including training, field monitoring and data entry.

Potential applicants can learn more and decide whether to apply to be a "PEPper" on the main program page.

If you know of friends, family, coworkers or others who might be interested, please share this announcement with them to help us kick off PEP's inaugural year with a full cohort.