Migrating & Overwintering
Monarch butterfly, photo by Janice Gardner
As the temperatures and leaves begin to fall, we're beginning to see our pollinator species prepare for colder weather, too. The monarch migrations have begun, and queen bumble bees have begun preparing for their overwintering. We're still seeing our beloved pollinators out and about, but we've noticed a marked decrease in observations as the chill of the season begins to set it.
Do you find yourself wondering what exactly pollinators do to survive Utah's harsh winters? We recommend reading this article from the Xerces Society about Bumble Bee's overwintering strategy and what to do if you encounter them before they emerge in the spring.
Western Bumblebees
Western Bumble bees on Milkweed. Photos by Sierra Hastings
This September, our staff was up in Summit County for a Riverscape Restoration day when we noticed a large patch of milkweed. Upon closer inspection, we were thrilled to find four Western Bumble bees!
Western Bumble bees (Bombus occidentalis) are one of Utah's species of greatest conservation need as their populations across the state are in steep decline. In 2022, only seven Western Bumble bees were logged with Utah Pollinator Pursuit.
Your observations help us to make an accurate assessment of how Utah’s pollinator species are doing and what habitats and plants they’re utilizing, and this allows our partners to prioritize habitat management and conservation efforts.
Thank you for supporting Utah's pollinators this season!
Inmigración: A Human-Monarch Story
In "Inmigración: A Human-Monarch Story," former Sageland Collaborative intern, Utah student, immigrant, young conservation leader, and artist Alhondra Lopez shares her story, which is deeply interwoven with the movement of monarchs between Mexico and the US.
“Resilience,” she says, “has been a close part of my identity. I believe that in order to keep moving forward, it is necessary to change, like monarchs. They migrate when it is cold to find new, warm chances. It takes some generations for them to get there, and they don’t know if the promise will hold out. But the hope is there.”
Photo credits: Sierra Hastings (above), Alhondra Lopez (below)
Thank you, Red Butte Garden!
Monarch butterfly at Red Butte Gardens. Photo by Janice Gardner
Thank you to Red Butte Garden for awarding Sageland Collaborative with a Non-profit Wellness Pass to further engage our community in appreciation of the gardens.
If you haven't had a chance to visit Red Butte, it's a great spot to look for monarchs and bumble bees (don't forget to log them with Utah Pollinator Pursuit), enjoy the gardens, and experience special local programming like guided walks and events. Check out their website to learn more.
Save the Date:
End-of-Season Volunteer Celebration
Volunteers making pollinator observations at the Jordan River Nature Center. Photo by Sierra Hastings
2023 Volunteers and donors - please mark November 8 on your calendar for our end-of-season volunteer celebration! We cannot wait to celebrate everything you've helped us accomplish this year.
More details to come soon.
Thank You
Thank you for everything you do to help conserve pollinators in the West! This work would not be possible without the continued support of our outstanding volunteers.
Please consider supporting this and other conservation work through donating, sharing on social media, or passing this email along to your family and friends.
Don't hesitate to email us at mary@sagelandcollaborative.org with any questions.