CRP’s Role in Monarch Butterfly Recovery

The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place Feb. 5, at noon CST will feature Justin Meissen, research program manager, Tallgrass Prairie Center, University of Northern Iowa. Meissen’s research focuses on understanding barriers to establishment in prairie restorations, incorporating ecology and practicality in seed mix design and developing methods of re-integrating native vegetation in working landscapes.

In the webinar, “Expanding the Value of Ag Conservation Programs for Monarch Butterfly Recovery in Iowa,” Meissen will provide an overview of the current state of Iowa’s Monarch Conservation Strategy, the recommendation for listing monarchs as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, and the importance of direct action in CRP acres that is crucial to recovery of butterfly populations. He will explore the monarch habitat value of existing CRP plantings and discuss research on effective approaches to enhancing low-diversity grass stands by seeding milkweed and nectar plants essential for monarch habitat.

“Some 60% of the monarch habitat specified in the state’s recovery plan is to come from the agriculture sector and 80% of that goal is anticipated to be delivered through CRP enhancements,” said Meissen. “While existing native prairie and pollinator plantings on CRP lands are already providing more monarch habitat than originally thought, successful monarch recovery will only be achieved if landowners choose to employ effective and deliberate methods for improving monarch habitat in more CRP areas. Despite the intensive site-preparation required for the successful establishment of milkweed and nectar plantings in grass dominated CRP acres, we are hopeful that landowners make positive progress in contributing to the recovery of this important pollinator.”

Participants are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.