Every fall, monarch butterflies undertake a spectacular, 3,000-mile migration from New England to central Mexico. Contribute to the scientific understanding of this impressive annual migration during an afternoon of butterfly tagging with ecologists Steven Lamonde and Brett Amy Thelen. Together, we’ll use butterfly nets to catch any monarchs we find, then affix each one with a tag that displays a unique code before releasing them back to the wild.

Afterward, we’ll submit our data to Monarch Watch, in the hope that these individual monarchs might be re-sighted on their overwintering grounds in Mexico or elsewhere along their migratory route. You’ll leave with a few tags to use on your own, and a new appreciation for this most royal of insects. Bring a butterfly net if you have one (or use one of ours), and come prepared for sun, tall grass, ticks, and other biting insects. No experience necessary!

4 to 5:30 p.m. at Andorra Forest in Stoddard. Directions to the exact location will be provided prior to the event. Space is limited, and registration is required.

For general information about Harris Center field trips, see our Outings Information page. For more information about this particular event, including questions about accessibility, contact Brett.

During this fun afternoon of community science, we’ll use butterfly nets to catch any monarchs we can find, then affix each one with a lightweight sticker that displays a unique code (pictured, above) before releasing them back to the wild.
photos © Ben Conant (humans) and Brett Amy Thelen (monarch)