Growing Returns

Selected tag(s): Wagley Ranch

Why I have more hope than ever for the monarch’s recovery

By David Wolfe / Bio / Published: October 18, 2017

A monarch butterfly nectars on an eryngo plant at Wagley Ranch on October 11. Read more about the monarch and explore David’s notes from the field here.

I recently returned to Wagley Ranch near Mineral Wells, Texas to work with some of the very first landowners participating in the emerging Monarch Butterfly Habitat Exchange.

The visit was the last on my fall field testing tour of the state, during which I visited five Texas ranchers in just six weeks. It was great to end on a high note at Wagley Ranch, where we had the chance to see southward migrating monarchs. We even saw one monarch feeding on an eryngo plant.

It was a wonderful reminder of why our work with these ranchers is so important, because the habitat they are restoring and enhancing is providing a new home to monarchs. Each acre of healthy habitat restored will support 70 butterflies on their migration to their wintering grounds in Mexico.

So how do we bring these activities to scale in time to save the monarch from extinction? With the right tools, the right practices, and the right people. Read More »

Posted in Habitat Exchange / Also tagged conservation, ecosystems, Elm Ridge Ranch, milkweed, monarch, monarch butterfly, monarch butterfly habitat exchange, monarch butterfly population, Partnerships, pollinator, rust ranch, Shield Ranch, winters-wall ranch | Read 3 Responses

From testing to launch: A new program for monarchs takes flight

By Audrey Archer / Bio / Published: June 30, 2017

Audrey applies the Habitat Quantification Tool to a potential restoration site, counting the number of milkweed and wildflower stems within a transect.

This spring, my colleagues and I visited three ranches in Texas to begin piloting the Monarch Butterfly Habitat Exchange, an emerging program that will help agricultural landowners contribute to monarch recovery.

Elm Ridge Ranch, Wagley Ranch and Shield Ranch will be among the first restoration projects conducted this year to improve ranchlands and create valuable monarch habitat. We will continue to work closely with these landowners to hone the program and ensure it works for monarchs, pollinators and people alike.

Already, we’ve had the opportunity to gain valuable insights, including how to improve habitat quantification and how to inspire enrollment.

Posted in Habitat Exchange, Wildlife Protection / Also tagged ecosystems, Elm Ridge Ranch, farms, habitat exchange, habitat quantification tool, milkweed conservation, monarch butterfly, monarch butterfly habitat exchange, monarch butterfly population, pollinators, ranches, Shield Ranch, Texas | Read 3 Responses