Monarch monitoring blitz begins on County’s south shore

Monarch butterfly. – John Lowry photo

More than 50 participants gathered on the County’s South Shore Saturday in hot and humid weather to
learn how to observe and monitor Monarch eggs, caterpillars and adult butterflies.

The ‘Monarch Monitoring Blitz’ event hosted by the South Shore Joint Initiative (SSJI) was held on the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Hudgin-Rose property, alongside Monarch Point Conservation Reserve.

Monarch monitoring event participants gather. – Katherine Rolgaska photo

The event coincided with international efforts to focus attention on the plight of the iconic Monarch butterfly. Known for their distinct orange and black wing markings, the Monarch butterfly was added to the endangered list in Dec. 2023, under Canada’s Species at Risk Act.

Several tables were set up beside the heritage-designated Hudgin House. Barb Tomlin was on hand to paint Monarch themed decorations on arms and faces, Cheryl Chapman of SSJI’s Wild Thing program and Eli Drummond of the Nature Conservancy of Canada presented informative and interesting educational displays.

John Lowry explained SSJI’s Monarch Roost Survey project to be held in the first two weeks of September. Eight possible roost areas have been identified. Participants will be asked to monitor an area several times over the two week period.

The project is a continuation of the work carried out by, and in conjunction with, the Canadian Wildlife Federation.

Monarch Day participants were separated into two groups to explore the local habitat to seek Monarch eggs, caterpillars and adults.

Monarch eggs are cream or white-coloured with ridges running from top to bottom. They are the size of a pencil tip and are usually laid singly on the underside of milkweed leaves. As a caterpillar, the Monarch is distinctively white, yellow, and black-banded. It transforms into a large, showy butterfly with orange and black wings, bordered with white spots. These pollinators feed on flower nectar and transfer pollen from one flower plant to another. They rely on milkweed plants for breeding.

Swallowtail butterfly. – John Lowry photo

While searching, the observers were treated to views of other butterflies and insects including Swallowtail and American Lady butterflies, grasshoppers, spiders and Praying Mantises.

They reported a few Monarch caterpillars and a generous number of eggs attached to the numerous milkweed plants.

Since it takes about four days for the caterpillars to hatch from the eggs, it was perhaps a week early to see many caterpillars. Adult Monarchs were in good supply, not only on Monarch Point Conservation Reserve and the Hudgin-Rose Nature Reserve, but also along the South Shore roadsides.

Following the main event, several participants continued to the Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area for a short Monarch tour conducted by Cheryl Chapman. The walk in the National Wildlife Area yielded few Monarch egg sightings, but again several adults were observed.

The South Shore Joint Initiative (SSJI) is a volunteer run, non-profit registered Canadian charity with a mission to educate and advocate for the protection, preservation and restoration of south shore lands and waters in Prince Edward County.

Visit ssji.ca for more events and information.

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