Lack of information and resources can make it difficult for people to participate in conservation. By creating a robust, online, visual software, the Aerulean Plant Identification Systems, Inc. aims to provide gardeners with the tools they need to contribute to monarch conservation. This identification system has the potential to greatly increase the number of native nectar plants available for pollinators by empowering people around the country to customize their gardens!
“The adult butterfly entries at findplants.net apply to all US nectar-feeding butterflies. The information provided empowers you to supply nectar for both monarchs and other local butterflies by growing carefully selected flowering plants in a sunny or partly sunny area of your garden — in a pot on your patio or in the ground,” said Susan Dunlap, Founder & CEO of Aerulean Plant Identification Systems Inc.
With over 20,000 images, findplants.net enables gardeners to select plants that feed butterflies based on various plant filters including watering regimen, height, flower color, and exposure as well as a filter for butterfly species. This resource allows gardeners to select the best suite of plants for their site and goals and can also be used to help identify unknown cultivated species.
“Aerulean provides an innovative visually-navigated tool to help gardeners make decisions about good butterfly plants. We’re excited to utilize and promote growth of this resource through the MJV.” Wendy Caldwell, MJV Coordinator.
Visit findplants.net to try out Aerulean Plant Identification Systems’ tools and resources!
The Monarch Joint Venture is a national partnership of federal and state agencies, non-governmental organizations, and academic programs working together to conserve the monarch butterfly migration. The content in this article does not necessarily reflect the positions of all Monarch Joint Venture partners.
Header photo by Susan Dunlap.