Monarch Joint Venture Blog
Prairie Oaks Through Time
Long before the Monarch Joint Venture began its work at Prairie Oaks, this land in Belle Plaine, Minnesota, was cared for by the Dakota people, who have long served as stewards and conservationists of the region. In this blog post written by Emily Hodson as part of her capstone project, explore the rich human history of the property — from its Indigenous roots through generations of ecologically minded caretakers to its present role in monarch conservation. Read More
Our First Moth Ball
We hosted our first Moth Ball on April 18th at our Prairie Oaks campus in Belle Plaine, MN. Read about what we found and how we found them. Read More
Public Comment Period Regarding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The Trump-Vance Administration’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) are proposing to remove the current regulatory definition of “harm” from the Endangered Species Act (ESA). A current open comment period invites the public to provide feedback on this proposed rule. When federal agencies seek public input on proposed policies or decisions, it offers an opportunity for individuals to share their perspectives, experiences, and knowledge. Read More
Announcing Our New Gardening for Monarchs and More course on the Monarch NECTAR Hub!
We are excited to share the launch of our new course, Gardening for Monarchs and More: From Balconies to Backyards, which is now available on the Monarch NECTAR Hub! Read More
Building a Buzz: A New Pollinator Habitat Blooms at Deer Creek Fish & Wildlife Area
The Monarch Joint Venture (MJV) is pleased to announce an exciting pollinator habitat project at Deer Creek Fish & Wildlife Area. Scheduled for seeding during the dormant season of 2025–2026, this initiative promises to make a significant positive contribution to the environment. In collaboration with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IN DNR) and with the generous support of a grant from the Duke Energy Foundation, this initiative aims to create 25 acres of prairie pollinator habitat to benefit bees, butterflies, and birds—species vital to sustaining agriculture and conserving biodiversity. Read More