To Save Monarch Butterflies, They Silenced the Lawnmowers_NYTimes

Overview of Monarch Butterfly Conservation

• Focus on efforts by New Yorkers to protect monarch butterfly habitats.

• Article by Hilary Howard published on October 14, 2023.

Key Individuals

• Robyn Elman: Initiated conservation efforts around monarchs in New York City.

• Frank Coniglio: Director of arterial highway maintenance for NYC who became involved after discussions with Elman and others.

• Patti Cooper: Collaborator with Elman who worked on protecting milkweed spots.

Importance of Milkweed

• Essential for monarch caterpillars; the only source of nutrition before they transform into butterflies.

• Habitat loss and climate change have led to over 80% decline in monarch populations in the last two decades.

Initial Efforts

• Elman began four years ago by rearing monarchs in her backyard.

• Encountered destruction of milkweed by lawn mowers along highways.

• Attempts to engage city officials initially proved fruitless.

Collaboration and Success

• Meeting Coniglio led to recognition of the need to protect milkweed.

• Together, they identified and protected about 20 milkweed patches in Queens and Bronx.

• Victory noted as positive action amidst broader environmental crises.

Broader Implications

• Conservation efforts contribute to civic engagement and a sense of agency in combating climate change.

• Tagging sessions conducted to monitor monarch populations during migration to Mexico.

Summary of Outcomes

• Increased awareness of the environmental role of monarch butterflies.

• Participants felt empowered through citizen science efforts to help ensure the butterflies' survival.