Monarch Workshop, Citizen Science (Austin)

As part of the National Wildlife Federation’s Monarch Stewards certification program, NWF is partnering with members of the CenTex Monarch Alliance to provide the Monarch Stewards’ next level of training, the Monarch Citizen Science Workshop. We are offering the workshop on two different dates (March 6, and March 7, 2020) to give people a broader opportunity to attend.

Citizen Scientists are an important asset to the Tri-National monarch conservation efforts. The monarch butterfly inhabits a wide spatial range, and to study all the habitats that the monarch population covers along its migration pathways requires all-hands-on-deck approach to increase our knowledge on the monarch ecology. Workshop participants will obtain the technical skills and knowledge to collect monarch-related information in the field and provide meaningful data to the different organizations that are performing some kind of monarch butterfly related scientific research.

What are the Topics?

The Citizen Science workshop focuses on understanding and using the Integrated Monarch Monitoring Protocol (IMMP) and the Monarch Larvae Monitoring Protocol (MLMP), testing for the Ophryocystis elektroscirrha protozoan parasite (Monarch health), tagging monarchs (Fall migration tracking), and collecting information on monarch sightings, as well as on reporting to such organizations as Monarch Joint Venture, Monarch Health Lab, Monarch Watch, and Journey North. Participants will also learn how to efficiently use iNaturalist and the Texas Nature Tracker as social platforms to identify species and to collect specific monarch data.

Who should attend this workshop?

The primary objective of this workshop is to train participants how to educate others about the ecological role of monarchs and the conservation actions that can be taken to help the species. This workshop is for those who are interested in outreach and in educating the public about monarch conservation, and in volunteering as Citizen Scientists. We request that every participant agree to share the education and knowledge acquired during this workshop with others by offering presentations or workshops, and to volunteer in a Citizen Science activity (i.e. tagging monarchs, testing for OE, implementing the monitoring protocols, or new opportunities to collect scientific data).

Monarch Stewards Certification

After the participant completes the workshop series (3 Workshops), she/he will receive a Monarch Stewards Training certification from the National Wildlife Federation. The participant will have many other opportunities to volunteer on local Citizen Science projects, workshops, and other monarch conservation activities if he/she wills to do so. A requisite to fulfill the requirement of the Citizen Science workshop is to participate in a Citizen Science project (2-4 hours of volunteer time).

• NWF will issue a certification of completion of this workshop upon request.

• Each participant will receive a Dropbox link to Citizen Science materials, supporting handouts, and other resources.

NOTE: Texas Master Naturalists and Native Plant Society of Texas: some Chapters are considering this workshop as an Advanced Training, ask your Chapter’s leader.

The Trainers

Chris Anastas is a Master Naturalist and Master Gardener who is passionate about monarch conservation. She is currently involved in six Monarch citizen science projects. Chris was the first citizen scientist in Texas to be trained for the Integrated Monarch Monitoring Project and is part of the testing for the University of Michigan M3 Monarch Migration Project. Her passion is keeping up with all of the latest monarch research with a special interest in OE (Ophryocystis elektroscirrha ) and the impact and implications of this disease on Gulf Coast monarchs.

Katie Boyer serves as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southwest Region's Monarch Outreach Specialist. In this role, Katie coordinates monarch butterfly conservation efforts with a variety of partners and leads outreach efforts to increase awareness of monarch and pollinator decline. Katie holds a Bachelor of Science in Resource Conservation from the University of Montana and a Master of Natural Resources in Environmental Policy from Utah State University

Craig Hensley is part of the first class of TPWD Master Interpreters. Craig Hensley is a TPWD biologist and State Park Interpreter at Guadalupe River State Park in Comal County. He has developed and presented a variety of workshops for Master Naturalist and Native Plant Society chapters. His role during workshop will be focused on educating the participants on native milkweed ecology and native nectar plants attractive to monarchs and other pollinators.

Rebeca Quiñonez-Piñón is the Monarch Outreach Coordinator for NWF. Her goal is to ensure that Texas cities within the monarch butterfly central flyway take appropriate, effective conservation actions that will increase the monarch population. She works closely with people at different levels and backgrounds to define the best strategies to implement monarch conservation programs. She is facilitating the integration of the Texas Monarch Conservation Plan, an effort initiated by TPWD.

Coffee and snacks will be available, but please bring your own lunch for this workshop!

A portion of the workshop will be outdoors. Please, dress properly for field work, including a hat and sunscreen.

This workshop is being held at various locations throughout the state. If you are not a resident of the Austin area, please contact us at scrc@nwf.org to find out more about the nearest location to you.

FAQs

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event? Age 18 and older, no ID is required

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event? Own transportation is needed. You will be able to park at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

What can I bring into the event? Notebook, pen, and lots of enthusiasm.You could also bring your own mug and water bottle --to avoid creating much waste. Also, wear appropriate clothing for outdoor activities (i.e. field work) We will share more details close to the day of the workshop(s)

How can I contact the organizer with any questions? Please email Rebeca Quiñonez-Piñón at QuinonezPinonR@nwf.org

What's the refund policy? We will consider refunds up to 7 days before event. However, if you know further in advance that you will not be able to attend, please let the organizer know so we can give the opportunity to others to attend the Workshop.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? Yes, or QR code

Is my registration fee or ticket transferrable? No

Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn't match the person who attends? No