The MJV western staff conduct and support various community science programs, applied research, and the broader research community to evaluate habitat availability, monarch activity, and conservation management strategies in California and beyond.
Community Science
Integrated Monarch Monitoring Program (IMMP): The IMMP is a national program that collects milkweed, nectar plant, and monarch use data across various land-use types and regions. MJV has engaged in the widespread monitoring of public lands in California since 2021.
Monarch Larva Monitoring Project (MLMP): MLMP tracks the distribution and abundance of breeding monarchs across the US. It is widely used across California and beyond to monitor various garden spaces & restored habitats.
Journey North: MJV has recently adopted the Journey North program, which maps the movement of monarchs and other migratory species.
To learn more about other community science programs, visit our Which Community Science Program is Right for You? handout.
Collaboration
MJV staff are engaged in a large network of science partnerships and frequently collaborate with others in the monarch research community. Our staff contribute to regional conservation plans, participate in scientific conferences, support international bioblitzes, and facilitate a number of other nationally-applicable science resources, such as MJV’s annual Research Review and other Data & Information Working Group outputs (e.g., Monarch Database Resource Guide and Monarch Research Priorities).
Applied Research
MJV staff are engaged in a number of applied research projects, including on-the-ground fieldwork, data analysis, and scientific papers. Current California projects are listed below.
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Statewide Monitoring: California Bureau of Land ManagementPollinator Habitat and a Changing Climate: Long-term Monitoring on BLM Lands
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Statewide Monitoring: California Association of Resource Conservation DistrictsClimate Resilience Through Habitat Restoration on California Lands
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Regional Monitoring: Cosumnes River Watershed, Bureau of Land ManagementMonarch Habitat Monitoring and Management: A Scalable Approach to Regional Conservation in the Cosumnes Watershed
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National Monitoring: Department of Defense Legacy Resource Management ProgramIdentifying monarch and pollinator habitat throughout military installations in California.
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Monitoring Private Working Lands: Monarchs and More Western Habitat ProgramM&MWHP participants are encouraged to monitor their restored or enhanced habitats using the IMMP.
