Arkansas Monarch and Pollinator Conservation Plan - MAY 2018 Presented by the Arkansas Monarch
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Arkansas Monarch and Pollinator
Conservation Plan
M AY 2 0 1 8
P re s e n t e d by t h e A rkan sas Mo n arch
C o n s e r v at i o n P ar t n er sh i p
S t e er i n g Co m m i t t ee
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
CONTENTS Following years of declines in populations of
monarch butterflies and pollinators, the U.S. Fish and
Executive Summary 1
Wildlife Service has received petitions to list several
Introduction 2
pollinator species as threatened or endangered under
Arkansas Action 2
the Endangered Species Act. The presidents of the
Background 3
United States and Mexico and the prime minister of
Arkansas Monarch Conservation
Canada have called for cooperative action to address
Partnership and the Plan 9
declining monarch populations. In June 2014, a
Monarch and Pollinator Habitat
Presidential Memorandum was issued from the White
Conservation, Enhancement
House directing federal actions to address the issue
and Restoration 9
of pollinator conservation resulting in the creation of a
Research and Monitoring 13
Pollinator Health Task Force and the National Strategy
Outreach and Education 15
to Promote the Health of Honey Bees and Other
Capacity, Governance and Funding 17
Pollinators.
Collaboration and Partnerships 19
Following a summit of state and federal agencies,
Acronyms and Planning Terms 19
nongovernmental organizations, businesses,
References and Sources 20
landowners and others in 2015, a concerted effort
Arkansas Monarch and Pollinator
was made to bring greater focus to the plight of the
Conservation Plan Steering
monarch butterfly and pollinators in Arkansas. Summit
Committee Members 20
attendees agreed that a statewide strategy should
Acknowledgements 22
be developed in the form of a state monarch and
pollinator conservation plan. This document is the
result of that commitment.
The plan is based on cooperation and collaboration
LIST OF FIGURES and is a living document that will be periodically
Figure 1 (Pg. 3): U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service updated. It supports ongoing practices that benefit
monarch migration map. monarchs and pollinators and points out adjustments
Figure 2 (Pg. 4): The decline in total area occupied in other programs and practices that will improve
in surveys of overwintering sites in Mexico between monarch and pollinator habitat. It lays out a strategy
the 1994-95 season and 2016-17 season. Source: to help agencies, organizations, businesses and
MonarchWatch.org. individual Arkansans understand the need for action
Figure 3 (Pg. 4): A group of researchers under and the part they can play in recovering these
the Monarch Conservation Science Partnership important populations.
developed a priority map to help indicate where
monarch conservation efforts should be targeted to
maximize success. A large portion of Arkansas falls
within the South Core priority on this map with the
rest of the state in the “South Exterior.” Source: U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service.
ARKANSAS MONARCH AND POLLINATOR CONSERVATION PLAN 1
butterflies, pollinators and their habitats in Arkansas. returning north to their breeding areas, a range that
INTRODUCTION
Arkansas Department of Over 100 agency and organization staff and private includes Arkansas, where female monarchs will
Over the past two decades, monarch butterfly citizens attended the first part of the summit; over 40 lay their eggs on emerging milkweed plants. The
Transportation’s Operation (Danaus plexippus) populations have declined invitees participated in the second. subsequent offspring or first brood will then colonize
Wildflower Program significantly due to a variety of factors, including Summit participants agreed that Arkansas's strategy the remainder of the breeding range in eastern
habitat loss and a lack of milkweed plants, the sole for monarch butterfly conservation should focus on North America. If this brood fails, a critical link in the
The Arkansas Department of Transportation’s
host plant used by the monarch during its egg and expanding and creating milkweed and nectar plant migration chain is broken with detrimental effects
(ARDOT) Operation Wildflower Program
larval stages. Subsequently, the presidents of the habitat necessary to support robust breeding and on the eastern population of monarchs. Depending
establishes new wildflower populations along
United States and Mexico and the prime minister successful migration throughout the state. Moreover, on the length of the season, as dictated by weather,
highway rights-of-way (ROW) with native
of Canada have called for cooperative action. This participants agreed that while the monarch butterfly monarchs might produce two to four broods in
wildflower seeds donated by a sponsor. ARDOT
decline has also prompted several national groups is the primary concern, the plight of all pollinator Arkansas. In the fall, the adults produced from the last
requires at least $200 in seed donations,
to petition the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) species needed to be included as part of the strategy hatch will then return to the oyamel fir forests, and in
which is usually enough seed to plant an acre.
to protect monarch butterflies under the Endangered and overall message. the spring the cycle will start again.
When an Operation Wildflower project has a
Species Act (ESA). In June 2014, a Presidential Among the many ideas generated during the In recent decades, many factors have affected
seed donation of over $500, ‘Wildflower Area
Memorandum was issued from the White House summit was the need to develop a steering committee monarch populations, including habitat loss in the
Sponsored By’… signage is provided.
directing federal actions to address the issue of that would guide the process of developing a United States, Canada and Mexico; recent droughts;
In the Fall of 2016, the Helena-West Helena
pollinator conservation, resulting in the creation of a Statewide Monarch and Pollinator Plan. climate change; and a significant decline in milkweed
Advertising and Promotion Commission donated
Pollinator Health Task Force and the National Strategy The Arkansas Monarch Conservation Partnership and nectar resources in breeding areas and migration
almost 50 pounds of native wildflower and grass
to Promote the Health of Honey Bees and Other (AMCP) is the direct result of summit deliberations and paths that include Arkansas. The decline in various
seed to plant 4.5 acres of Highway 49 ROW in
Pollinators. the subsequently formed steering committee. The species of native milkweed is particularly troublesome
Helena-West Helena, Arkansas. The native
AMCP is a consortium of state and federal agencies, as they are essential for monarch survival. Milkweed
wildflower and grass seed mix consisted of:
municipalities, nongovernmental organizations, species are the only plants on which monarch
ARKANSAS ACTION
Black-eyed Susan Showy evening businesses, academia and private individuals working butterflies lay eggs and the only plants monarch
Purple Blazing Star primrose Recognizing the importance of this issue and the together to conserve and protect monarch butterflies, caterpillars eat.
Maximilian sunflower Big bluestem need to be part of the solution, representatives from pollinators and their habitats. In North America, migratory monarchs have
Lanceleaf coreopsis Little bluestem the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), Arkansas suffered because of habitat loss due to land use
Tickseed coreopsis Indiangrass Wildlife Federation (AWF), U.S. Fish and Wildlife changes (commercial, residential, or agricultural
BACKGROUND
Service and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
The Helena-West Helena Operation Wildflower
(AGFC) began discussing Arkansas’s role in monarch Arkansas lies within Figure 1
project received two signs, at the beginning and end
conservation. Staff from these agencies along with the migratory and spring
of the planted area. Also, in exchange for the seed
staff from the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission breeding area of the
donation, AHTD did all the site prep work—mowing,
and Arkansas Association of Conservation Districts monarch butterfly, a
disking and sowing of seeds. Cooperation from the
formed the core team that planned a summit for species that has declined
local District maintenance personnel is helpful, as
discussing the options for future collaboration. significantly over the last 20
they usually come out and help us prep the ground
On Nov. 9-10, 2015, the planning team agencies and years. Each fall, hundreds
for sowing seeds, and it alerts the Districts where the
organizations and Pine Ridge Gardens hosted and of thousands of monarch
wildflower plot(s) is, so that they don’t mow the area
sponsored the Arkansas Monarch Summit. The first butterflies pass through
at the wrong time of year.
part of the summit educated agency and organization Arkansas as part of their
staff and interested private citizens about monarch spectacular journey to the
butterfly biology and life history, while the second high-elevation oyamel fir
part focused on forming a consortium of state and (Abies religiosa) forests
federal agencies, municipalities, non-governmental in central Mexico where
organizations, businesses and private individuals they overwinter. In the
Operation wildflower sign and U.S. Highway 49 in Helena-
West Helena Operation Wildflower site preparation. that would work together to develop a statewide spring, usually early
comprehensive plan to conserve and protect monarch March, monarchs start
2 ARKANSAS MONARCH AND POLLINATOR CONSERVATION PLAN ARKANSAS MONARCH AND POLLINATOR CONSERVATION PLAN 3
uncertainty to the future more difficult, potentially polarizing and inherently
Figure 2
survival of monarchs, political. Therefore, it is in everyone’s best interest to
Arkansas’s primary strategy work together in an effort to avert any potential federal Arkansas Audubon
for effective monarch action. These voluntary conservation efforts will Society’s Bird Friendly
conservation will focus on contribute to ongoing actions to preclude the need to
expanding and creating list the species under the ESA. Currently, the USFWS is
Yard (BFY) Program
milkweed and nectar plant conducting a species status assessment to determine
habitat to support robust monarch viability and to inform the decision as to
breeding and successful whether the monarch should be listed.
migration throughout the A related but uniquely important problem is the
state. Therefore, finding plight of all pollinators, especially honeybees and
ways to diversify habitat Arkansas’s hundreds of native bee species. Many
in agricultural and urban native bees appear to be declining across their
landscapes and rights-of- range with multiple species of bumble bees found Arkansas Audubon Society’s bird friendly yard.
way, as well as improving in Arkansas listed as threatened on the International
Launched in 2016, Arkansas Audubon Society’s
habitat on existing lands in Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List
Bird Friendly Yard (BFY) program has a vision
conservation ownership, will of Threatened Species. The USFWS has listed
of turning Arkansas into America’s largest bird
be crucial. one pollinator species, the rusty patched bumble
sanctuary by creating a statewide network of
The urgency for taking bee (Bombus affinis), as endangered under the
development or conversion) and mowing or pesticide yards and parks planted with native flowers,
action cannot be overstated. Currently, states ESA. While the rusty patched bumble bee is not
applications that are not timed to monarch needs. shrubs, and trees. The BFY program also supports
have considerable leeway in determining action present in Arkansas, this represents a milestone in
Threats in Mexico include habitat degradation by monarch and pollinator conservation, as bird-
for improving habitat, limited mostly by available the recognition of the importance of pollinators. In
logging, climate change and harsh winter storms. friendly yards are havens for native insects, too.
resources (i.e., funding, seeds and/or plants) and addition, over the last decade beekeepers have lost
This combination of threats has led to a downward Yards that meet the BFY criteria for the program
the willingness of landowners and land managers. on average one-third of their managed honey bee
trend in the monarch population, which is assessed can be certified at one of three levels (gold, green,
If the monarch butterfly is listed as threatened or colonies annually.
by measuring the total area occupied by monarch or working to become bird friendly) depending
endangered under the ESA, collaboration becomes
colonies at their on bird-friendly actions completed in specific
Photo by Steve Duzan
overwintering sites categories, such as native plants, food and water,
Figure 3
in Mexico. The trend etc. See the Arkansas Audubon Society website
since 1994–95 has (http://arbirds.org/) for criteria and downloading
been downward; data the application /certification form. The completed
for 2014–17 show form plus $20 may then be mailed to the address
a modest increase. shown on the form. In return, BFY program
However, this participants will receive a yard flag identifying
increase should be their level of certification, as well as resources
viewed in light of the about native and non-native invasive plants
increased surveillance and yard recognition in the Arkansas Audubon
effort during 2014 Society’s newsletter.
–17 in response to To date, there are 34 yards certified in 15
the downward trend Arkansas counties through this program, but
Bees are a critical pollinator vital to our food-
noted. this number is growing rapidly! Ultimately, bird-
production systems, and insect pollination in general
While the effects friendly yards create habitat for birds, healthy
contributes an estimated $29.4 billion of added value
of climate change environments for humans, and bridges between
to the agricultural economy in the United States. In
and related weather fragmented local ecosystems, supporting
Arkansas, thousands of acres are planted in crops
patterns may butterflies, pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.
dependent upon or improved by the pollination
represent the greatest
4 ARKANSAS MONARCH AND POLLINATOR CONSERVATION PLAN ARKANSAS MONARCH AND POLLINATOR CONSERVATION PLAN 5
services of honeybees and native bees. Honey
production alone is valued in the millions. In addition,
TNC William Kirsch bees and other pollinators sustain native plant Fayetteville Mayors’
Preserve Habitat communities that further contribute to maintaining Monarch Pledge and City-
Improvement diverse and healthy ecosystems and all that they led Initiatives
provide (e.g., wildlife, recreation, carbon cycling). As
The William Kirsch Preserve at Ranch North is the case with monarchs, multiple factors threaten The City of Fayetteville joined the Mayors’
Woods was acquired by The Nature Conservancy bees and other pollinators, including loss of habitat Monarch Pledge, a program of the National
in late 2014. With 247 acres along 1.2 miles of and forage plants, pesticide exposure, pathogens and Wildlife Federation, in January of 2016 and
the Little Maumelle River, the property is home to various pests. committed to undertaking 13 specific city-led
both woodland and wetland species, including Bees have special needs, including food habitat, initiatives. The city’s commitment coincided
deer, waterfowl, osprey, and eagles. nesting habitat and overwintering habitat. Bees take with the first meeting of what was to become
Conservancy staff saw an opportunity to take all of their nutrition from flowers. Nectar provides the Fayetteville Monarch Project. Approximately
a large, low diversity hayfield on the property simple carbohydrates and energy, which fuel their 50 people gathered to develop a local plan
and turn it into a haven for pollinators and activities. Pollen supplies the true nutrients: proteins, to address monarch education and outreach
monarchs. A series of controlled burns were amino acids, vitamins, sterols and enzymes. Unlike initiatives and to increase monarch habitat.
conducted to begin restoring the old fields. In butterflies, bees return to a nesting site where they Several successful projects have been
the spring of 2017, a grant from the U.S. Fish and provision food for their offspring. This behavior completed to advance the goals of the Mayors’
Wildlife Service Partners for Fish and Wildlife limits their foraging range to a fixed radius around Monarch Pledge and the Fayetteville Monarch
Program provided funding to plant 10 acres of their nest site. Depending on the bee species, this Project.
wildflowers. Volunteers from Quail Forever and foraging radius may extend a few hundred yards or Members of the Fayetteville Monarch Project
staff mowed, disked, and planted 200 pounds of up to several miles. Some bee species are specialist and City of Fayetteville staff worked together
wildflower seed consisting of various sunflowers, pollinators and visit a highly limited, small taxonomic to produce a monarch butterfly brochure and
coneflowers, and milkweeds and over 200 native group of plants. These species thrive only when there an educational presentation for engaging the
wildflowers from Pine Ridge Nursery including are adequate flowers available within their limited public on the plight of the monarch butterfly.
varieties of milkweed, mint, and coneflowers. foraging range. The Fayetteville Monarch Project brochure
Within days, staff noticed monarch caterpillars Other bee species are generalist pollinators and can be found here: http://fayetteville-ar.gov/
establishing homes on the newly added will pollinate a wide variety of plant species. Many DocumentCenter/View/12006.
milkweed plants. There are still approximately bees exhibit a floral fidelity when foraging, ensuring The City of Fayetteville has also planted Fayetteville monarch habitat garden.
60 acres that need to be planted. Phase two that pollen is only transferred among compatible several monarch butterfly habitats on public
plantings will take place in the spring of 2018. plants. Generalist bees visit numerous plant species property in city parks, street medians and facility The Fayetteville Monarch Project plans
The Preserve is open to the public, and signage, throughout the season, acquiring a balanced diet landscapes. These include: Wilson Park, Gulley to continue monarch education efforts and
natural trails, and a canoe access have been from multiple resources. Evidence suggests that bees Park, the College Avenue median and at the increase monarch habitat in 2017 with tabling
added to the property to provide a positive can detect nutrient deficiencies in pollen sources city’s Sustainability Department located in the events, group presentations and how-to
visitor experience. Conservation, science, and and will actively seek other flowers to balance their new Spring Street Parking Deck at the Walton workshops.
school groups utilize the property as an outdoor nutrient intake. Therefore, these bees should have Arts Center. These monarch gardens have Besides Fayetteville, three other Arkansas
classroom and numerous visitors hike, fish, bike, access to an abundant variety of flowers within their a mixture of milkweed plants and flowering cities (De Queen, Little Rock and Springdale)
and explore. foraging range. nectar-producing plants. Signs inform visitors have signed the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge to
Bees nest in a variety of habitats, depending on of the purpose and functionality of the plants take action to help the monarch butterfly. If you
their species and life cycles. Bees may be categorized in these monarch gardens. Additional monarch would like more information or to sign up your
as cavity-nesting, ground-nesting or tunnel-nesting. gardens have been developed at public schools community, please go to www.nwf.org/Garden-
Cavity-nesting bees include honey bees and bumble and local churches, and a demonstration For-Wildlife/About/National-Initiatives/Mayors-
bees. They form eusocial to semi-social colonies and garden is under construction at the Botanical Monarch-Pledge.aspx.
occupy a cavity they find but do not excavate. Honey Garden of the Ozarks.
Monarch caterpillar on planted butterfly weed.
bees often nest in hollow trees or other cavities above
6 ARKANSAS MONARCH AND POLLINATOR CONSERVATION PLAN ARKANSAS MONARCH AND POLLINATOR CONSERVATION PLAN 7
to construct wax combs. Bumble bees often nest in GOAL 1: Provide high-quality habitat comprised
ARKANSAS MONARCH CONSERVATION
empty rodent holes in the ground or sometimes at of a diversity of nectar-producing plants, including
PARTNERSHIP AND THE PLAN
Northwest Arkansas ground level in grassy thatch. milkweeds suitable for monarch reproduction
Master Naturalists Native Ground-nesting bees will dig their own burrows, The Arkansas Monarch Conservation Partnership that will be available to pollinators throughout the
and the selected home sites will vary among species. is Arkansas’s response to the challenges ahead. As growing season.
Plants Project Some nest in grassy areas, while others prefer bare detailed in this plan, we have: Objective 1: Restore, create or enhance 3,500
soil. Some prefer sandy loam soil, while others prefer 1) Set goals for monarch and pollinator habitat efforts acres of native habitats that support monarchs and
hard-packed soil. The key component is that the in the state, including strengthening existing pollinators on private lands by 2023.
ground is undisturbed and within range of floral work, identifying gaps and prioritizing actions, STRATEGY 1: Use federal and state habitat
resources. 2) Created a holistic, coordinated statewide strategy programs to the maximum extent possible to
Tunnel-nesting bees do not construct burrows but for supporting monarchs and pollinators, increase milkweed and nectar plants on private
seek out appropriate holes and may modify them for 3) Developed a collaborative effort to attract lands. These include, but are not limited to:
their use. They look for holes in dead wood created by resources needed to the state’s monarch 1) AGFC - Acres for Wildlife (AFW)
emerging insects or woodpeckers, or they may utilize population while boosting populations of all 2) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
hollow stems or crevices in masonry or natural cracks pollinator species, and • Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
in stones. These bees may use plant material, such as 4) Identified opportunities to integrate our efforts • Environmental Quality Incentives Program
fibers or leaf pieces, or mud to modify the diameter of with other regional and national initiatives. (EQIP)
Master Naturalists planting native plants.
the tunnel and to separate the tunnel into individual This plan will be monitored and reviewed • Agricultural Conservation Easement Program,
cells in which to provision food for their offspring. periodically and revised as needed to keep it relevant Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE)
In March of 2016, the Northwest Arkansas
The overwintering needs of bees are fairly simple. and up-to-date with the best available science and 3) USFWS - Partners for Fish and Wildlife (PFW)
Master Naturalists undertook what has become
Honey bees require sufficient stored food. They information. 4) Arkansas Forestry Commission - Forest
the Native Plants Project. Under the leadership
convert the caloric energy of honey into heat to keep Stewardship Program (FSP)
of Rose Gergerich and Warren Fields, a group
alive until spring brings more flowers, while the hive in 5) Federal Highway Administration - Transportation
of volunteers began the propagation of MONARCH AND POLLINATOR HABITAT
which they live keeps them dry and insulated. Bumble Alternatives Program (TAP)
native seedlings. As these have matured, they CONSERVATION, ENHANCEMENT AND
bees live in annual colonies, which die out each year STRATEGY 2: Ensure that adequate numbers of
have been made available for an extremely RESTORATION
after producing new queens. Only mated queens milkweeds and all-season nectar-producing plants
reasonable cost to private gardeners and to
overwinter, hibernating in the ground and emerging Provision of adequate feeding and breeding habitat are included in the seed mixes in existing habitat
groups who have designed native plantings.
to found a new colony each spring. Suitable sites to provide for the needs of monarchs and pollinators restoration programs (CRP, PFW, EQIP, AFW, WRE).
The project works to include monarch host
for queen bumble bees to overwinter include well- while they are in Arkansas is the primary concern and Work with NRCS to ensure program guidelines
and nectar plants in its offerings. Since
drained, sandy soil, often on a north-facing hillside overarching goal of this plan. Monarch butterflies and include planting at least one species of milkweed
the inception of the project, nearly 3,000
that will not be exposed to premature warming by pollinators must be able to complete their life cycles and three late-blooming fall nectar plants.
plants have been sold or donated to private
the sun. Most solitary bees provision nests for their to sustain healthy populations, and can only do this Encourage the NRCS wildlife subcommittee
individuals, state parks and local non-profit
offspring and abandon them, dying the same year. if there is sufficient high-quality habitat available to work toward allocating a set amount of the
organizations. Two more sales are planned to
These bees will overwinter in the pupal stage and throughout the growing season. This is important not 5% wildlife funding toward conservation cover
take advantage of the upcoming fall planting
emerge in spring. After mating, the male bees die, and only for monarchs and other pollinators, but also for (practice 327) and field borders (practice 386).
season.
females establish new nest sites, which they provision sustaining native vegetation as well as agriculture. STRATEGY 3: Work with AFW program
with pollen and nectar collected from flowers. After This plan establishes objectives for restoring, administrators to add green antelope horn
depositing eggs, they will die out. enhancing, creating and managing habitat to achieve milkweed (Asclepias viridis) to the seed mix.
ground. If natural cavities are unavailable, honey this goal. This will be done by providing milkweed This species is adapted to most upland soil
bees will nest in man-made structures, sometimes in and nectar plants for monarchs and meeting the types throughout the state and is prevalent in
the ground, or (more rarely) in exposed combs built special needs of native bees and other native overgrazed or stressed pastures in southwest
in the open. Honey bees live in perennial colonies pollinators. Many of these treatments will also benefit Arkansas. Pursue a partnership where the PFW
and must therefore store sufficient food (as honey) to honeybees. program purchases the milkweed seed to add to
support the entire colony through the winter, and they the AFW mix.
require a cavity with sufficient storage space in which
8 ARKANSAS MONARCH AND POLLINATOR CONSERVATION PLAN ARKANSAS MONARCH AND POLLINATOR CONSERVATION PLAN 9
STRATEGY 4: Work with NRCS and FSA to STRATEGY 1: Provide input into long-range plans
enhance existing WRE and CRP sites by for agencies and make sure they understand
establishing milkweed and identify non-tree- opportunities to help monarchs and pollinators Pulaski Conservation District
planting CRP contracts, sending landowners and any related responsibility they have. Some
Uses NRCS Funding to Install
a letter explaining the desire to enhance their actions to support these practices are covered later
lands for monarchs and pollinators, which will in this plan. Other actions include working with School Pollinator Gardens
also benefit other wildlife, such as deer, quail and agencies planning habitat work. Review proposed
turkey. projects to make sure they address monarch and In September 2016, the Natural Resources
STRATEGY 5: Use PFW to enhance previous pollinator needs. Conservation Service awarded an $11,000
projects for monarchs and pollinators by STRATEGY 2: Provide BMPs for management of cooperative agreement to the Pulaski
working with landowners to plant milkweeds or habitats. Several practices that manage ground Conservation District for the purpose of installing
incorporate dormant-season disking to promote cover could be altered to improve milkweed two pollinator gardens at local schools. The
goldenrod and other nectar plants. and nectar-plant production and better meet primary goals of the project were to develop
STRATEGY 6: Meet with the FSA to determine the the special needs of pollinators. These include urban pollinator habitat and provide pollinator
feasibility of modifying Continuous Conservation highway corridors, food plots, parks and educational opportunities to students. Lawson
Reserve Program (CCRP) practice CP42 to woodlands. Elementary in west Pulaski County and Flightline
include pastureland, and what would be required Objective 3: Create or restore 7,000 acres of Upper Academy Lighthouse Charter Middle
to make this change. If modifying CP42 is not an monarch and pollinator habitat on public and private School on the Little Rock Air Force Base were
option, then look at creating a new CCRP practice rights-of-way by 2023. the two schools selected by the district. Both
that takes pasture and hay production land into STRATEGY 1: Work with the state highway schools had existing outdoor classroom programs
consideration without requiring a cropping department to plant native milkweeds and other and staff dedicated to experiential learning Pulaski Conservation District, NRCS School
Pollinator Gardens.
history. nectar-producing plants on appropriate areas opportunities.
STRATEGY 7: Ensure that foresters, biologists of ROWs, such as after new construction and on Holly Anderson, the district’s Urban
classroom, an interpretive nature trail behind the
and technical service providers working with ROWs adjacent to other state or federal lands. Conservationist, designed the gardens using
school on property that had once housed the air
landowners are providing information about Identify new areas of protection on ROWs through native perennials, shrubs and trees with
force base officers’ club. These beds were made
opportunities to enhance monarch and pollinator various Arkansas Department of Transportation pollen, nectar and/or host value to honey bees,
with one layer of lawn timbers that will eventually
habitat. Provide educational materials that cover (ARDOT) programs—Operation Wildflower, Native native bees, wasps, moths and butterflies, and
deteriorate, allowing the mature plants to self-sow
the benefits of healthy pollinator populations. Wildflower Area Signage Program and ARDOT’s hummingbirds over three seasons of bloom.
and naturalize throughout the area.
STRATEGY 8: Provide guidelines or Wildflower Routes. All of these programs require Two of the beds installed at each school were
Nine metal raised beds were installed in the
recommendations for managing riparian forests, specific maintenance regimes; e.g., an annual specifically designed to provide nectar and
Lawson Elementary School playground area, as
native grasslands, glades and regenerating fall mowing and only spot spraying of nonnative milkweed host plants for monarch butterflies. The
an addition to the existing vegetable garden. The
forests for monarchs and other pollinators. invasive species is allowed, for the proliferation plants were purchased from Pine Ridge Gardens
beds were installed on a Saturday with the help of
STRATEGY 9: Provide best management of wildflower populations. Encourage the use in London, Arkansas
Lawson’s staff, parents and Boy Scouts from Troop
practices (BMPs) for management of pastures, of regionally sourced wildflower seed and an The bed installation and plantings were
99. Then, on a sunny school day, small groups
farmland, rights-of-way, highway corridors and increased diversity in seed mixes. completed in spring 2017. Ten beds were installed
of students, pre-K through 5th grade, came into
food plots. Several practices that manage ground STRATEGY 2: Work with state, county and in the Flightline Academy Middle School outdoor
the garden area for about 30 minutes at a time
cover could be altered to improve milkweed municipal highway maintenance crews to modify
to hear a short monarch butterfly conservation
and nectar-plant production and better meet mowing ROWs such that they defer mowing
presentation and have the opportunity to plant in
the special needs of pollinators. These include areas outside safety zones until after the growing
the beds.
management in pastures, farmlands, rights-of- season.
Both gardens have progressed well since
ways and food plots and plantings in parks, STRATEGY 3: Engage pipeline managers, power
planting and are thriving. In total, over 500 plants
businesses, schools and homes. companies, drainage districts and levee boards to
were included in the gardens.
Objective 2: Restore, create, enhance and manage assess the potential for and promote creation of
Pulaski Conservation District, NRCS School
500,000 acres of native habitats that support monarch and pollinator habitat on their rights-of- Pollinator Gardens.
monarchs and pollinators on public lands by 2023. way on private lands.
10 ARKANSAS MONARCH AND POLLINATOR CONSERVATION PLAN ARKANSAS MONARCH AND POLLINATOR CONSERVATION PLAN 11
GOAL 2: Increase the supply of regionally
RESEARCH AND MONITORING
appropriate milkweed and forb seeds and plants
“Go Native, Grow needed for monarch conservation. A great deal of information is available on monarch Pollinator Garden at
Native” Annual Event Objective 1: Develop the capability of providing biology and behavior. However, there are many the Sylamore Ranger
at least 50% of the seed and plants needed for unanswered questions regarding monarchs and
in Russellville monarch and pollinator creation, restoration and milkweed in Arkansas. Additional research will provide
District Office
enhancement projects by 2027. a greater understanding and allow us to adapt
This event is hosted by Ozark National Through a grant from the Joint-Chief’s
STRATEGY 1: Work with the Arkansas native habitat management to have an increased benefit
Forest personnel, but brings together Landscape Restoration Partnership between
seed program to support collection of locally on monarchs. Completing research will provide a
many agencies, organizations and the USDA NRCS and the USDA Forest Service,
obtained native seed from public lands (e.g., greater understanding and allow us to adapt habitat
individuals to facilitate learning about the Sylamore Ranger District of the Ozark-St.
Natural Areas, Wildlife Management Areas), and management to have an increased benefit. Monitoring
growing native plants and their role in Francis National Forests designated an eight-
private conservation preserves (e.g., The Nature will be a critical component in understanding monarch
helping monarch butterflies and other acre area adjacent to the Ranger Station as
Conservancy). distribution, migration timing and habitat use in the
pollinators. Free native seeds are given an interpretive site in 2015. This area includes
STRATEGY 2: Foster and support private state.
away as long as supplies last. Other related a half-mile nature trail and a native pollinator
nurseries and private entities capable of
programs are also discussed. Informative GOAL 1: Increase and expand knowledge of the garden that is open to the public. The
producing locally sourced native seeds and
booths are staffed by groups such as biology, distribution, population status, threats objective of the interpretive area is to show the
plants.
Pope County Master Gardeners, Pope and habitat needs, requirements and creation public an example of ecological restoration.
STRATEGY 3: Provide technical and financial
County Conservation District, Arkansas for monarchs and pollinators to better manage The site has undergone invasive species
assistance to farmers to grow native plants in
Archeological Survey, Revitalizing Ozark- populations. treatments, mechanical treatment of woody
row-crop style agriculture for seed production.
Ouachita Seed Traditions (ROOST), Objective 1: Determine distribution, population species, prescribed burns, and native species
Arkansas Native Plant Society, Arkansas GOAL 3: Provide bee-friendly habitats focusing on status and habitat requirements of monarchs and planting. Several signs like the one below
Game and Fish Commission, Arkansas special needs of native bees because they are the pollinators. will be placed along the trail with information
Forestry Commission, Lake Dardanelle most prolific pollinators. Research Needs: on invasive species, ecological restoration,
State Park and the U.S.D.A. Forest Service. Objective 1: Establish foraging and nesting 1) Develop baseline information on the biodiversity of native wildflowers, native pollinators, and land
Presentations are provided on subjects habitats to sustain population of native bees and native bees in each ecoregion of the state. management.
such as beekeeping, the importance other pollinators. Priority: High
of pollinators, monarch and pollinator STRATEGY 1: Develop guidelines for sustaining 2) Determine abundance and distribution of native
photography, control of invasive species healthy bee populations, addressing special bee species, including identifying the most
and establishing native plants. The event needs for reproduction and wintering habitat. dominant native bees in the state. Priority: High
continues to grow each year and is well STRATEGY 2: Develop diversified wildflower 3) Assess milkweed and nectar availability and
attended. habitats, providing season-long food resources determine if resources are adequate for monarch
to native bees. These wildflower plantings may populations. Priority: High
also provide nesting habitats to ground-nesting 4) Identify breeding concentrations (hot-spots) of
bee species. monarchs in Arkansas. Priority: High
STRATEGY 3: Provide incentives to farmers 5) Delineate travel corridors used by migrating Nature’s Path Interpretive Walk sign at Sylamore
Ranger District Office Pollinator Garden.
and landowners to establish native wildflower monarchs. Priority: High
pollinator plantings on their property. 6) Determine the utility and efficacy of current native
wildflower plantings in supporting native bee
communities. Priority: High 9) Manipulate plant species assemblages and density
7) Determine the best nesting materials and substrates and measure the effects on number of monarch
for tunnel-nesting bees. Priority: Medium larvae produced. Priority: Low
8) Determine the relationship between habitat Objective 2: Conduct research to determine
Pope County Master Gardeners table at ‘Go Native, structure and quality and the number of monarch the best methods for habitat creation and
Grow Native’ Event. larvae produced per acre at existing sites. enhancement for monarchs and pollinators.
Priority: Low
12 ARKANSAS MONARCH AND POLLINATOR CONSERVATION PLAN ARKANSAS MONARCH AND POLLINATOR CONSERVATION PLAN 13
Research Needs: are increasing or decreasing in abundance or 3) Maintain and support Arkansas Monarch
1) Determine the best methods for effectively diversity, especially near areas managed for Conservation Partnership website.
Ouachita National Forest establishing the more common milkweed pollinator conservation. 4) Create a reading list of monarch and pollinator
Shortleaf Pine–Bluestem species by testing various techniques with native Objective 4: Monitor populations of rare, publications.
seeds. Priority: High threatened or endangered bee and butterfly 5) Create a speakers bureau for Arkansans to access.
Ecosystem Restoration 2) Identify how vegetation management techniques species for changes in population abundance. 6) Create materials to educate commercial nurseries
Project and timing may impact or improve nesting, and landscape companies about propagating,
reproduction and overwintering sites for native growing and using native plants for monarch
OUTREACH AND EDUCATION
The shortleaf pine–bluestem ecosystem bees. Priority: High butterflies and pollinators in home gardens and
restoration project began in 1991 on the 3) Examine the effects of herbicide use on milkweed Outreach and education efforts are needed to home and commercial landscaping.
Ouachita National Forest. The purpose production. Priority: Medium ensure that Arkansas residents across all sectors STRATEGY 4: Organize a sponsored wildlife art or
is to restore ecosystem function to this Objective 3: Identify biotic and abiotic factors that are informed about the threats to monarchs and photography contest with monarchs as the main
community in the Ouachita Mountains of may impact or benefit pollinator health in Arkansas other pollinators and encouraged to contribute in a focus in year one and pollinators as the focus in year
Arkansas and Oklahoma. Management (e.g., land use, habitat destruction, parasites, variety of ways toward conservation efforts. Research two.
actions include prescribed burning, pathogens, invasive species, etc.). conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey indicates 1) Suggest “Monarchs and Pollinators” to the
timber harvest, both thinning and Research Needs: that planting of multiple, smaller pockets of milkweed Arkansas Wildlife Federation as a theme for its art
regeneration, midstory reduction and 1) Evaluate impact of land management practices and other native plants are as important as are contest.
milkweed plantings to enhance restoration (agricultural, residential, recreational, etc.) on efforts aimed at large-acre agricultural operations. STRATEGY 5: Promote the National Wildlife
of monarch populations. Management native bee populations and health. Priority: High Individuals, local groups, schools and industrial, Federation Mayors’ Monarch Pledge and
actions were coordinated with a massive 2) Evaluate impact of non-target pesticide activity commercial and agricultural associations educated recognize those who have enrolled.
research effort involving the Forest Service and residue on native bee health and abundance. and supported in citizen science efforts can also STRATEGY 6: Request governor’s proclamation
Southern Research Station and numerous Priority: High be important in gathering data on monarch and for pollinator week.
colleges and universities. This allows 3) Identify common diseases, pathogens and pollinator activities in the state, including migration Objective 2: Disseminate information and
the Ouachita National Forest to adapt its parasites of native bees in Arkansas and classify pathways, foraging and breeding. An informed engage various civic groups through at least 12
management based on sound science. as native or exotic. Priority: Medium citizenry is important to obtain and maintain public- presentations and exhibits per year.
Total project area is almost 320,000 acres, 4) Determine if any nonnative solitary or Bombus opinion support for conservation measures. STRATEGY 1: Engage garden clubs and public
with about 116,000 acres already in a species are present and evaluate the ecologic entities such as Crystal Bridges, Master Gardener
GOAL 1: Increase public awareness of the value of
restored condition and many more acres in impact on native bee species. Priority: Low groups, Master Naturalist groups and civic
monarchs and pollinators and the threats they face.
different stages of restoration. organizations, among others.
GOAL 2: Expand monitoring efforts to inform Objective 1: Disseminate monarch and pollinator
STRATEGY 2: Engage agricultural and natural
conservation actions. information to the public.
resources organizations at meetings and
Objective 1: Increase public participation in STRATEGY 1: Promote monarch and pollinator
other events of the Arkansas Association of
citizen science efforts to monitor migrating and curriculum as it becomes available and fits state
Conservation Districts, AR Grazing Lands
breeding monarchs. standards and frameworks.
Coalition, The Wildlife Society, etc.
STRATEGY 1: Promote Journey North and other STRATEGY 2: Outreach and Education
STRATEGY 3: Engage corporations, land
projects in outreach materials. subcommittee will write one article per year for a
managers of roadways and parks, and private
STRATEGY 2: Continue to promote the Arkansas targeted publication.
landowners through private land biologists, and
Monarch Mapping Project in social and print 1) Target potential authors of monarch and
landscape designers and contractors.
media and through oral presentations where pollinator articles and help facilitate getting
Objective 3: Work with local media to highlight
feasible. articles published.
monarch and pollinator conservation initiatives to
Objective 2: Increase conservation agency STRATEGY 3: Prepare and curate promotional items
get at least four monarch or pollinator segments
participation in monitoring. for the public.
on air per year.
STRATEGY 1: Adopt national or regional 1) Secure brochures for use in workshops or at
STRATEGY 1: Develop list of media sources and
Pine bluestem restoration on the Mena monitoring protocols into agency efforts. public events.
Ranger District. contacts.
Objective 3: Develop a protocol for periodic 2) Create a master PowerPoint presentation that can
monitoring to determine if native bee populations be altered for different audiences.
14 ARKANSAS MONARCH AND POLLINATOR CONSERVATION PLAN ARKANSAS MONARCH AND POLLINATOR CONSERVATION PLAN 15
Objective 4: Work with universities and libraries to STRATEGY 1: On every group or agency Facebook GOAL 1: Formalize the Arkansas Monarch
host authors and other experts on pollinators and page, publish posts regarding the Journey North Conservation Partnership as a multi-organizational
Fourche Pollinator native plants on at least one campus per year. phone app and encourage everyone to collect data. public-private partnership.
Garden on Ouachita STRATEGY 1: Outreach subcommittee STRATEGY 2: Include information about citizen Objective 1: Develop a formal partnership
member(s) will contact universities to develop science in presentations. document that lists steps the partners will take to
National Forest contacts and facilitate scheduling presentations. STRATEGY 3: Provide educators with implement the AMCP plan.
information about other citizen science projects.
GOAL 2: Encourage development of habitat GOAL 2: Create an Arkansas Monarch Conservation
projects of all sizes. GOAL 4: Engage Arkansas’s agricultural community Partnership Coordinator Position to implement the
Objective 1: Communicate with at least 150 in discussions about ways Arkansas farmers and AMCP plan and further develop conservation goals,
schools about schoolyard habitat projects per year. ranchers can participate in meeting monarch habitat strategies and action items.
STRATEGY 1: Send flyers to K-12 schools with objectives using methods that are compatible with Objective 1: Develop a funding plan to establish
information about schoolyard habitat projects. agricultural production systems. adequate financial support including:
STRATEGY 2: Create a list of funding sources for Objective 1: Find or create opportunities for 1) Commitments from partners; and,
schoolyard gardens. discussions with agricultural leaders to explore, 2) Grants or donations from supporters of the plan.
Objective 2: Encourage at least 200 certified develop and promote practical conservation Objective 2: Hire a full-time Arkansas Monarch
gardener habitats in Arkansas. solutions designed for farmers and ranchers. Conservation Partnership coordinator.
STRATEGY 1: Create brochure and host STRATEGY 1: Identify critical agricultural STRATEGY 1: Develop a plan for hiring a
informational tables at events statewide. stakeholder groups. program coordinator who will help formalize the
Kiosk at Ouachita National Forest Pollinator Garden. STRATEGY 2: Contact Master Gardener, Master STRATEGY 2: Create an agriculture-focused Partnership, coordinate all AMCP members, seek
Naturalists, garden clubs and similar groups with work group. new and nontraditional partners, and strategize
The Fourche Pollinator Garden was brochure and speaker information STRATEGY 3: Work with agricultural leaders in for sustainable funding to reach long-term goals.
developed as part of the Monarch Joint STRATEGY 3: Encourage gardeners to certify their convening an agriculture-specific monarch and STRATEGY 2: Determine qualifications and
Venture project to provide host plants and gardens with Monarch Watch, National Wildlife pollinator summit for the purpose of information develop job description to be approved by the
nectar sources to various butterflies, pollinators Federation, North American Butterfly Association, sharing and strategy development. steering committee.
and other wildlife species. This garden is Arkansas Audubon Society bird-friendly yards, STRATEGY 4: Initiate collaboration in the STRATEGY 3: Determine salary and initial funding
designed around an old log landing that is the etc. development of best management practices for sources (short-term and long-term).
center of the garden opening. A woodland STRATEGY 4: Disseminate Arkansas Monarch monarchs and pollinators in agricultural settings. STRATEGY 4: Determine coordinator’s workplace.
vernal pond was created to provide breeding Host and Nectar Plant Lists upon request. STRATEGY 5: Develop a 6- to 12-month work plan
habitat for dragonflies and amphibians, and STRATEGY 5: Work with rural and agricultural for the coordinator. Duties of the coordinator will
CAPACITY, GOVERNANCE AND FUNDING
to provide educational opportunities. As the publications to feature monarch habitat include, but are not limited to:
pond dries in the summer, it creates mudding programs. Comprised of an expanding and diverse array 1) Implement the conservation plan.
areas for the butterflies and water for other STRATEGY 6: Share locations of demonstration of partners, the Arkansas Monarch Conservation 2) Manage the website.
pollinators. A concrete accessible trail was gardens or plantings. Partnership requires structure in order to achieve its 3) Write grants that help implement the plan.
created that winds approximately 780 feet and Objective 3: Educate and encourage 20 goals and remain sustainable from both a financial STRATEGY 6: Hire the coordinator.
has various animal footprints stamped across businesses to create pollinator-friendly habitat. and organizational standpoint. The flexibility that
GOAL 3: Develop, support and manage a network
it for education.This garden is small but has a STRATEGY 1: Create flyers/brochures tailored to members enjoy in developing and implementing
of volunteers willing to donate time and expertise
variety of local plants that were planted in the local business owners. their initiatives will facilitate creative thinking and
to the purpose of Arkansas Monarch Conservation
garden, and the paved trail in the surrounding STRATEGY 2: Identify trade or business problem-solving, while their common purpose
Partnership.
woods offers other opportunities to view associations to contact local businesses and work of conserving monarchs and other pollinators
Objective 1: Create process, structure and tools
additional plant species in their natural setting. directly with them to create gardens. in Arkansas will strengthen the Partnership and
necessary to facilitate group and individual
Several other pollinator gardens at Forest individual responsibilities in the effort. To maximize
GOAL 3: Encourage participation in citizen science volunteer recruitment and action.
Service District offices focus on local native the Partnership’s ability to conduct meaningful, far-
initiatives.
nectar sources and milkweeds for monarchs. reaching work, funding and staffing will need to be
Objective 1: Encourage more people to collect
secured and thereafter maintained.
monarch observations.
16 ARKANSAS MONARCH AND POLLINATOR CONSERVATION PLAN ARKANSAS MONARCH AND POLLINATOR CONSERVATION PLAN 17STRATEGY 1: Identify opportunities for volunteer GOAL 1: Promote and cultivate collaboration and
recruitment and engagement. Establish a partnership across agencies, organizations and
as students learned about various instars,
communications link between the Arkansas stakeholder groups in support of our mission to
factors that prevent monarchs from reaching
Monarch Conservation Partnership and existing increase and sustain habitat for monarch butterflies
the adult stage, and the importance of host
and potential volunteers. Promote volunteerism and pollinators.
and nectar plants. As part of learning about
within existing organizations.
what butterflies need, campers wandered the
1) Identify local and regional organizations that Objective 1: Communicate monarch and
various gardens and participated in a habitat
might form independent volunteer teams or pollinator management needs and strategies to
scavenger hunt. Several hours were spent
crews (e.g., business clubs, church groups, all stakeholders and take the lead in maintaining
in the Butterfly House making observations
school districts and universities or colleges). dialogue, ensuring all sectors are included and
about the different kinds of butterflies and
2) Identify groups and organizations whose engaged.
their behaviors. The children enjoyed trying to
members may be receptive to individual STRATEGY 1: Arrange periodic meetings,
identify different butterflies, caterpillars and
volunteer action. visits to demonstration sites, workshops
chrysalids during a scavenger hunt.
3) Provide a volunteer portal as part of the and industry or partner events to share
Campers made notes of flowers used by
Arkansas Monarch Conservation Partnership. information, encourage participation, plan
pollinators, learned what attracts different
4) Create and/or provide information and tools future projects, solve problems and recognize
kinds of pollinators, and were introduced
necessary for self-guided action. accomplishments. Use partner events and
to the idea of nectar guides before they
5) Coordinate with target groups to develop an venues to promote collaboration, express needs
labeled and illustrated their own flowers.
understanding of their resources and needs in and celebrate accomplishments.
Each child described for others the color
order to assist them with delivering monarch 1) Identify and target major partner events for
choices made, why those colors were chosen
and pollinator conservation. presence and/or delivery of the Arkansas
and how a nectar guide was included. Part
Monarch Conservation Partnership message.
of this exercise involved learning to use a
2) Identify existing efforts, resources and
Fayetteville butterfly camp. dichotomous key. A favorite activity was COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIPS
potential partners in order to connect interests
making a home for solitary bees.
Monarch and pollinator conservation is a greater with opportunities.
Botanical Garden of and more complex task than any one agency or
the Ozarks Butterfly organization can accomplish alone. It is essential to
ACRONYMS AND PLANNING TERMS:
develop and maintain effective relationships and
Camp promote collaboration among all groups sharing AFW Acres for Wildlife
the common interest of conserving and enhancing ARDOT Arkansas Department of Transportation
The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in
monarch and pollinator habitat and populations in AGFC Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
Fayetteville was the site of a butterfly camp
Arkansas. A fundamental component of this effort AWF Arkansas Wildlife Federation
for children July 31-Aug. 3. Twelve children
is a reliance on voluntary actions. Matching those CRP Conservation Reserve Program
ages 8–10 participated in the four-day camp
voluntary actions to the varying levels of ability, CCRP Continuous Conservation Reserve Program
during which they were engaged in activities
willingness and desire of all partners involved will be a ESA Endangered Species Act
that introduced them to the importance of
necessary component for success. EQIP Environmental Quality Incentives Program
butterflies and other pollinators. The campers
Fulfilling our mission requires a concerted effort NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service
were introduced to their own monarch
to identify and implement methods and approaches NWF National Wildlife Federation
caterpillars early on and learned to care for
that are science-based, effective and practical. It is PFW Partners for Fish and Wildlife
them and to measure their growth as well as
our intention to act in partnership with all interested TNC The Nature Conservancy
how much they ate.
parties as a true coalition, providing information about USFS U.S. Forest Service
Each child took his caterpillar home along
all aspects of monarchs and pollinators in Arkansas USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
with a butterfly keeper cage.
and creating opportunities for public engagement in WMA Wildlife Management Area
Life cycles of various butterflies were
Fayetteville butterfly camp. decisions about the future management of Arkansas’s WRE Wetland Reserve Easement
examined, but the focus was on the monarch
pollinator resources.
18 ARKANSAS MONARCH AND POLLINATOR CONSERVATION PLAN ARKANSAS MONARCH AND POLLINATOR CONSERVATION PLAN 19You can also read
