A nationwide service-learning project for youth groups
Resources
Every link on our website is also listed on this page for easy reference. Additional links are provided for those who want even more information.
Teach About Monarchs
Flight of the Butterflies
"It is a natural history epic. It is a detective story. Join hundreds of millions of real butterflies on an amazing journey to a remote and secret hideaway, and one scientist’s 40-year search to unravel the mystery–where do they go each fall? Experience the Flight of the Butterflies."
Obtain permissions to show Flight of the Butterflies by contacting SKFilms at agarcia@skfilms.ca.
NOVA: The Incredible Journey of the Butterflies
Another excellent educational resource is the PBS documentary NOVA: The Incredible Journey of the Butterflies. Purchase the film through the teacher shop on PBS.org to receive additional educational materials and the AV rights for screening the film.
Become Citizen Scientists
Look for monarchs in their natural habitats and enjoy the abundance in creation.
Teach your kids to look closely for monarch butterflies, eggs and caterpillars in places where native milkweed and other native perennial plants are growing. Share a report of your findings on the Journey North website. Monarchs share their beautiful habitat with many of God's other creatures too. Notice how full of life monarch habitat is!
Rearing Monarchs for Education
Once your milkweed plants are mature, and monarchs visit your garden, you may begin to find eggs and caterpillars. Rearing a few monarchs in captivity is a fun educational activity and your youth will enjoy being a part of it. Follow the link below to MonarchWatch for instructions. If you decide you would like to rear monarchs it is important that you rear them responsibly to prevent spreading disease. Please see the additional resource listing cautions from the Monarch Joint Venture.
Connect with Scripture
The Monarch in Creation
This discussion guide has been developed as a Christian education tool for use after viewing an educational film about monarch butterflies. Several excellent, family-friendly films are available to choose from.
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When we contemplate the splendor in creation, we are inspired to recognize the power and goodness of the Creator. This discussion guide is intended to help youth leaders guide their students to discover the appropriate Christian response to the creation that God loves so much. Grounded in Holy Scripture and informed by the writings of theologians across denominations, this guide is designed to heighten students’ awareness of:
the wonder in creation
the goodness in creation.
how much God loves the world
the place of humans in creation
Plant a Monarch Waystation
Monarch Watch Waystation Requirements
A Monarch waystation is a place that has the key resources to preserve the monarch species, such as milkweed, nectar plants, shelter, and sustainable management practices. The plants do not all have to be in the same garden area. If your church has a flower garden, it may meet some of the requirements already! Together we can make a huge impact on the survival of the monarch butterfly. See the link below to visit MonarchWatch.org and learn what to plant and how to certify your church grounds as a waystation.
Monarch Watch Milkweed Market
If your organization qualifies as a school or non-profit, you can apply for a flat of free milkweed plugs. These plants are valued between $74-$93.50! Shipping is included as well as guidance on how to create a new habitat or enhance an existing garden. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has provided funds for this project. Applications will be reviewed in the order that they are received. Plants will be delivered in the spring.
Wild Ones Seeds for Education
Each year from July to October the Wild Ones Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Grant Program accepts applications for small grants ($100-$500) to fund a native garden or habitat for hands-on learning. Nonprofits may apply, as long as the project uses native plants or seeds to educate youth. Find out more at the link below.
Engage the Community
Custom Seed Packet Template
Create seed packets with your church name on them. Your youth group can make custom seed packets using our free template. Fill with native milkweed seeds, either purchased in bulk or collected from your parishioners. Share the free seed packets in your church and distribute them in the community.
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Swamp milkweed coming soon!
Mr. Lund Science Video - Collecting Milkweed Seeds
The Planting Milkweed Instructional Video Series, by the gifted and extraordinary Rich Lund, of Mr. Lund Science, teaches how to collect Common Milkweed seeds, germinate them, and plant them at home or in the wild. An easy and affordable way to help monarchs!
National Pollinator Week
Many parks, zoos and nature preserves need volunteers to sustain their conservation efforts. Consider participating in an event during National Pollinator Week, an annual event celebrated all over the world in the last full week in June. Visit the Pollinator Partnership to learn more.
Additional Material
Youth for Monarchs YouTube Channel
Youth for Monarchs has a YouTube channel with original videos of monarchs and their amazing life cycle. The YouTube channel also includes playlists with helpful information about growing milkweed, winter sowing, using soil blocks, and videos of monarch waystations. Make a video of your waystation and send us a link. We would love to include you!
