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Sustainability, Environment & Climate Community Engagement
Saving Monarch Butterflies Across America One Life at a Time
SUSTAINABILITY, ENVIRONMENT & CLIMATE
Wings Without Borders: A Unifying Approach to Endangered Species Conservation
Mission Overview
A community-driven initiative focused on monarch butterfly conservation addressing species decline through active conservation, education, and community engagement. "We bring together and support a local community to think globally as interconnected links along the migratory route of the monarch butterfly. Our commitment is to provide free milkweed seeds to anyone who requests!"
We have several projects in the NYC Participatory Budgeting Proposal phase:
Join the Generative AI Challenge! #GenerativeAI #AICHALLENGE
Feeling creative? Participate in the Generative AI Challenge!
Anyone can learn how to use the latest interactive AI image-making technology to generate art, content, advocacy and encourage engagement that amplifies our shared mission of protecting, preserving, saving monarch butterflies from extinction!
Just sign up for the multimodal Large Language Model (LLM) to create original images using your choice of keywords of monarch conservation and share on our public Facebook group Wings Without Borders . #MonarchButterflyConservation #monarchbutteefly #citizenscience #metamorphosis #EndangeredSpecies
Monarch Butterfly in consideration for Endangered Species Act!
The US Fish and Wildlife Service has just proposed listing the monarch butterfly as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act. We have been predicting his announcement for years. Please comment at the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
Join this urgent mission. Please sign our petition add your email below or contact us directly to discuss how we can collaborate.
The proposed listing of the monarch butterfly as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, a 60-day period runs from March 19 to May 19, 2025, allowing further input on the proposed rule published on December 12, 2024. We want to emphasizethe importance of public input in determining the species' conservation status and encourages widespread participation in conservation efforts. Details on submitting comments can be found on regulations.gov under docket number FWS-R3-ES-2024-0137.
AI-enhanced Monarch Butterfly Conservation
A Holistic Defense Against Modern Threats Research Proposal Abstract
The catastrophic 90% decline in Eastern Monarch butterfly populations over the past decade necessitates innovative conservation approaches. This research initiative, led by the Inwood Butterfly Sanctuary, proposes a comprehensive AI-driven conservation strategy that integrates cutting-edge technology with community-based conservation efforts. The study aims to address critical gaps in current monarch protection approaches while pioneering new methodologies for species preservation in urban environments.
The research will focus on four key areas: (1) AI-powered microenvironment mapping and population monitoring, (2) advanced parasitology management systems, (3) youth-led citizen science initiatives, and (4) predictive modeling for habitat management. Through the innovative application of acoustic and thermal sensing technologies, machine learning algorithms, and community engagement, this study seeks to create a replicable model for urban butterfly conservation.
Background and Significance
The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) faces unprecedented challenges, with population declines reaching critical levels by 2025. The species' recent designation as "endangered" by the IUCN and proposed "threatened" status under the U.S. Endangered Species Act underscores the urgency of developing more effective conservation strategies. Urban sanctuaries like Inwood Butterfly Sanctuary represent crucial waypoints in monarch migration corridors and serve as living laboratories for conservation innovation.
Research Design and Methods
This study employs a mixed-methods approach combining technological innovation with traditional conservation practices:
AI-Enhanced Monitoring Systems
- Deployment of sensor networks for microenvironment mapping
- Implementation of acoustic and thermal detection systems for parasitic threat assessment
- Development of machine learning algorithms for population tracking and prediction
- Integration of citizen science data collection through AI-powered mobile applications
Parasitology Management Protocol
- Establishment of AI-monitored "protective zones" with companion planting strategies
- Implementation of targeted biocontrol methods using native predator species
- Development of early warning systems for parasitic outbreaks
- Creation of protected breeding sites with specialized physical barriers
AI Community Science Integration
- Training of student scientists in parasitology monitoring
- Development of AI-driven educational tools and visualization platforms
- Implementation of standardized data collection protocols
- Creation of interactive conservation modules for public engagement
Expected Outcomes and Impact
This research aims to:
1. Develop a scalable model for AI-enhanced urban butterfly conservation
2. Create new protocols for parasitology management in protected populations
3. Establish evidence-based strategies for community-led conservation efforts
4. Generate comprehensive datasets on urban monarch population dynamics
5. Produce replicable methodologies for similar conservation initiatives globally
Innovation and Significance
This study represents the first comprehensive attempt to integrate artificial intelligence, parasitology management, and community science in urban butterfly conservation. The novel approach to parasite detection and prevention, combined with sophisticated AI-driven monitoring systems, has the potential to revolutionize species preservation efforts in urban environments.
Timeline and Deliverables
The project will unfold over a three-year period:
- Year 1: Infrastructure development and baseline data collection
- Year 2: Implementation of AI systems and community science programs
- Year 3: Data analysis, methodology refinement, and development of replication guidelines
Major deliverables will include:
- Comprehensive conservation protocol manual
- Open-source AI monitoring software
- Educational materials for community science programs
- Peer-reviewed publications on methodology and outcomes
- Public-facing data visualization platform
Broader Impacts
This research will advance our understanding of urban butterfly conservation while developing new technological tools for species preservation. The integration of community science and advanced technology creates a model for engaging underserved communities in conservation efforts while generating valuable scientific data. Success in this project could inform similar initiatives globally, particularly in urban areas where traditional conservation methods may be insufficient.
Share Butterfly Tagging Experiences!
Connected with other monarch conservationists and contribute to citizen science!
The monarch butterfly is unique in its ability to migrate thousands of miles to complete a miraculous journey from Canada, across North America to find a particular mountainside in Central where it has never been. Using not totally understood navigational sensors in their antennas they can locate the Oyamel fir tree forests in Michoacan Mexico where they roost over winter. We invite you to participate in a growing international network of people and communities along the monarch flyway using tags provided by Monarch Watch and data from Journey North.
We encourage members to take, save, share photos and videos of tagged monarch butterflies, especially if you had role in it's survival, and share this story on our Wings Without Borders public Facebook group.
Sign up for Free Milkweed seeds!!
As part of our mission to encourage the creation of monarch butterfly waystations throughout the country, we'll send free milkweed seeds to all who ask (while supplies last).
Join the Wings WithoutBorders Community and help us make a difference. Share your MWTAG.ORG activities to our Friends of Wings Without Borders group!
Featured Media Coverage
Exceptional Access to Mainstream Media!
Featured in the PBS documentary the Dynamic Planet and nominated as NY1 New Yorker of the Week, interviewed on WNYC Morning Edition, covered by ABC7
ABC7 Reports from NYC INWOOD Butterfly Sanctuary about getting city to keep pesticides away
*** Listen to our podcast!! ***
Support our mission
$20.00
Your contribution will help us to continue our efforts to protect and restore the monarch butterfly habitat.