Monarch Fest

July 10, 2021

10 AM-2 PM

Hybrid Online & In-Person Event

This year we are combining online and in-person elements to create a hybrid event, including virtual programs leading up to the day-of event, FREE caterpillar adoption*, take-home crafts / activities, milkweed seed ball making for RAGBRAI riders, educational materials, free nectar plants, vendors and more.

Caterpillars, crafts and nectar plants will all be in LIMITED SUPPLY. You will need to register ahead of time (beginning June 30) for caterpillars and crafts online (link coming soon) and pick-up in-person the day of the event.

*If you intend to adopt a caterpillar, you MUST have your own source of milkweed.

THANK YOU

Monarch Fest committee members:
Shelley Kamp, Emily Zimmerman, Jan Aiels, Patty Ankrum, Roberta Lympus, Karla McGrail, and Susan & David Anderson

Monarch Research Project
& Monarchs in Eastern Iowa

ONLINE

*caterpillar & craft registration links coming June 30*

Register for caterpillar adoption (ONE caterpillar per family, MUST have reliable source of milkweed)
Register for educational take-home crafts / activities
Native bees class
Online classes (see schedule below)

IN-PERSON

Milkweed seed ball making for RAGBRAI riders
Caterpillar & craft pick-up (indoors, please wear a mask and maintain distance – MUST REGISTER AHEAD OF TIME)
Vendors & educational resources (outdoors only)
Nectar plants available (limited supply)
Vendors: Usborne Books, Monarch Research Project, Monarchs in Eastern Iowa

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Monday, July 5 — Check our social media pages or here on our website to watch a short video of what milkweed looks like, tips for finding it and more.
Tuesday, July 6 — 10 AM: Join us on Zoom for a live presentation of “What Happens When the Monarchs Reach Mexico” from Dr. Ellen Sharp of Butterflies and Their People. Many have misconceptions about Mexico’s monarch migration, including where they go, what they do when they’re here, when the best time to see them is, and why their forest is in danger. Ellen will share how to see the butterflies, as well as how to help them. Monarch conservation must be radically re-envisioned if this fragile phenomenon is to survive. Ellen lives at the entry of the Cerro Pelón Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in the State of Mexico. She is the co-owner of the ecotourism business JM Butterfly B&B and the co-founder of the forest conservation non-profit, Butterflies & Their People, which employs six full time forest protectors on Cerro Pelón.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82684264673
Wednesday, July 7 — 1-2:30 PM: Join us on Zoom for a live presentation on “How to Increase Your Monarch IQ” from Debbie Jackson, of Monarch Watch.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83385463432
Thursday, July 8 — 10 AM & 1 PM: Join us on Zoom for a live presentation of “Getting to Know Your Monarch Caterpillar” with Susan and David Anderson, of Monarchs in Eastern Iowa. Viewers will learn about the life cycle of a Monarch and how to take care of them. We will also discuss the needs of Monarchs and other pollinators in the real world. For everyone that reserved a caterpillar and recording will also be sent to everyone after.

10:00 AM https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83188864386 1:00 PM https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82944812923
Friday, July 9th — 1 PM: Join us on Zoom for a live presentation on Native Bees from Karla McGrail, Linn Co Master Gardener. Learn about our vital but often overlooked native bees. Discover how you can alter your landscaping practices to help ensure their survival.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86977775616
Saturday, July 10th — 10 AM – 2 PM: Monarch Fest — pick up your caterpillars and crafts (with confirmed registration), make pollinator seed balls and take home a nectar plant while supplies last!