Catch Up with the Utah Pollinator Pursuit "Buzz!"
Volunteers document milkweed as part of the project.
If you've been keeping up with our project emails and social media (@wildutahproject and @utahpollinatorpursuit), you know pollinators in Utah need support.
Despite the difficulties monarchs and bumble bees are facing, a little help from community scientists can go a long way. With just a single training video and an app, you can take on the great outdoors and collect valuable data to support their conservation.
Join Utah Pollinator Pursuit to help shape the future of bees and butterflies for the better. It's a great chance to get outside as well, whether it's in your yard, around the neighborhood, or on the trail.
Field Trip NEXT WEEK!
Join scientists for an exciting day in the field to examine a property for pollinator conservation potential. A large proportion of potential monarch habitat is privately owned in the state of Utah, so this kind of work is especially important.
WHAT: Looking at nectar resources on site at a property in Axtell, Utah and how it might be improved for pollinators going forward.
WHEN: Wednesday, June 16, 2021, 10am-1pm
WHERE TO MEET: 10am at the LDS church in Axtell (2 hours 10 mins drive time from Salt Lake City, about a block west of Highway 89 in Axtell).
WHAT TO BRING: Lots of water, a hat, lunch or a snack, shoes or boots that can get wet, sunscreen
WHAT TO EXPECT: Expect easy walking, but it will likely be wet. Volunteers can walk in groups if preferred. We may divide property up depending on number of people who sign up to join.
COVID-19 NOTES: Volunteers can walk around the outdoor site without a mask if all members of your volunteer group are comfortable with that. We recommend wearing masks in cars if carpooling.
How to Get Started with Pollinator Conservation
1 - Watch the training recording.
2 - Visit the Utah Pollinator Pursuit page, where you can choose whether to become a Site Steward and/or Opportunistic Volunteer. Having trouble figuring out which option is best for you? Consult the graphic below to figure out which option best fits your schedule and commitment level.
3 - If you are getting involved as a Site Steward, sign up for a Monarch Site.
4 - Review project materials (see "Training Resources" below) as needed.
5 - Start collecting pollinator data, whether on a hike, in your garden, or at a Monarch Site! Don't forget to include photos.
6 - Spread the word. Share photos and quotes with us to help us reach more potential volunteers to support pollinator conservation. Don't forget to tag us in your posts!
Volunteer Highlight
Jan Kennington, Volunteer Highlight
How long have you been involved in the Utah Pollinator Pursuit, and what originally drew you to participate?
My friend Paula introduced me to the project just a few months ago. I read Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver, which introduced me to the issues that Monarchs are facing. Since then I have been more aware of the loss of these beautiful butterflies over the years. I remember living in Missouri as a child and seeing them everywhere, but slowly over time their numbers have decreased.
What has been your favorite part of volunteering so far?
My friend and I went out together to find our sites. Mine was the hardest to find....we had to use GPS points to make sure we were in the correct spot (that was a new skill for me)! My spot was a wetland on the southern side of Utah Lake. We were excited to find remnants of milkweed pods from last year!
Why is participating in wildlife conservation important to you?
I am very concerned about our warming planet, its effects, and what kind of planet we are leaving for our kids and grandchildren.
Volunteer Resources
Some helpful resources are included below.
Printable PDFs on identifying monarchs, milkweed, and bumble bees.
Resources for using Survey123:
Utah Pollinator Pursuit page, where you can view additional resources and information about the project.
Wild Utah Project pollinator page, where you can view updates if you miss them in your inbox and print flyers to have on hand during site visit.
A copy of the bee guide is also available through the Survey123 app.
Contact Information:
Amanda Barth, Rare Insect Conservation Coordinator - abarth@utah.gov
Mindy Wheeler, Rare Plant Conservation Coordinator - mindywheeler@utah.gov
Mary Pendergast - Conservation Ecologist - mary@wildutahproject.org
To help us get more data on this important project, please share this email with anyone else who might be interested.
Thank you for everything you do to conserve our special insects in the West. This work would not be possible without you. Don't hesitate to email us at info@wildutahproject.org with any questions.