My milkweed habitat should be mowed to cut back the woody vegetation that is encroaching. Is there a safe time to do this that will be less harmful to monarchs?

Yes! The MJV has a handout called Mowing and Management: Best Practices for Monarchs. We utilized community science data and ground-tested it with researchers and volunteers nationwide to develop recommendations for times when management activities may be safer for monarchs. It is essential to note that this handout focuses solely on monarchs. If you have prioritized additional plant or animal species to protect at your site, ensure that you consider a timing that works best for all. Because monarch timing can vary slightly from one year to the next, it is also important to monitor the migration status through Journey North to see how this year's timing compares to previous years. Most importantly, avoid mowing or disturbing the entire habitat at once, so that you leave untouched areas for wildlife to use as they recolonize the habitat.