Buckley SFB helps DoD monitor, restore monarch migration

Published July 22, 2024
By Master Sgt. Carlin Leslie
Space Base Delta 2 Public Affairs

BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFNS) -- Every year, monarch butterflies make a multi-generational migration across North America to overwintering sites in Mexico and California, with many passing through Colorado along the way. Buckley Space Force Base is one of many locations across the Department of Defense where wildlife biologists are working to monitor and restore habitats for monarchs to help facilitate this migration.

Monarch populations have declined by over 90% in recent years due to multiple threats including habitat loss. Currently, the monarch is a candidate species for listing under the Endangered Species Act.

"Monarch butterflies are an important indicator species for the health of our environment," said Veronica Reed, Buckley’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife biologist. "By promoting monarch conservation on military installations like Buckley Space Force Base, we can help ensure the survival of these charismatic creatures for generations to come."

Inspecting Milkweed — Veronica Reed, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service fish and wildlife biologist, and Max Bierman, Student Conservation Association natural resources intern, inspect milkweed plants for monarch eggs and larvae on Buckley Space Force Base, Colo., July 18, 2024, as part of the Integrated Monarch Monitoring Program. (U.S. Space Force photo by Master Sgt. Carlin Leslie)

biologist looking at milkweed — Veronica Reed, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist, and Max Bierman, Student Conservation Association natural resources intern, inspect milkweed plants for butterfly eggs and larvae on Buckley Space Force Base, Colo., July 18, 2024. Milkweed seeds have been spread on Buckley SFB since 2018 to attract and support monarch butterflies. (U.S. Space Force photo by Master Sgt. Carlin Leslie)

Handles Plants — Veronica Reed, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist, inspects milkweed plants for monarch eggs and larvae on Buckley Space Force Base, Colo., July 18, 2024. This is the first year for the installation to help provide data as part of the Integrated Monarch Monitoring Program for monarch butterflies. (U.S. Space Force photo by Master Sgt. Carlin Leslie)

Currently, Buckley SFB’s Natural Resources Program is working to restore approximately 1,000 acres of shortgrass prairie habitat by planting native nectar-rich plants and milkweed species to support monarchs and other pollinators. The program is also partnering with Monarch Joint Venture and Monarch Watch to implement the Integrated Monarch Monitoring Program and Monarch Watch Tagging Program on the installation.

“We value our strong partnership with USFWS on Buckley Space Force Base, having a full-time USFWS resource expert on base allows us to collect data and conserve important habitats for species like the monarch butterfly without interrupting Buckley’s critical missions,” said Matthew Hurlbert, 460th Civil Engineer Squadron natural and cultural resource manager. “We have real opportunities to conserve natural areas on base for the benefit of Buckley and the larger front-range ecosystem.”

Data collected at Buckley SFB will aid conservation experts in making informed decisions and gain a deeper understanding of how current threats affect monarch populations and migration patterns. By supporting conservation efforts like these, communities can help ensure that these beautiful butterflies continue to thrive.

For more information on how you can help support monarch butterflies visit here.