North America's Migrating Monarch Butterfly is Now on The Endangered Species List

July 21 2022

Monarch Butterfly added to Endangered Species List by IUCN

The migrating Monarch butterfly, the North American subspecies, was declared endangered on July 21, 2022 by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).  This subspecies of the Monarch butterfly is known for its twice yearly 2,500 mile journey between its summer and winter areas.  

There are two North American populations; the western population (west of the Rockies) and the eastern population (east of the Rockies).  Although more is known about the eastern population, both have suffered dramatic declines in recent years; the western population has lost 99% of its members, declining from about 10 million individuals to about 250,000.  The eastern population has declined about 84% from 1996 to 2014.

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The major threats to Monarch butterflies are habitat destruction, especially in the wintering areas and pesticide use, primarily in the Midwest where glyphosate severely impacts the milkweed on which the Monarch depends. These threats are still of concern despite successful programs that have established monitoring and important way stations where milkweeds and other native plants have been established along the migratory route. 

The listing was announced because the threats to the Monarch populations are greater than current conservation efforts and it is hoped that by listing the Monarch as endangered it will stimulate additional conservation efforts.

Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association (SWIMGA)

October 15 2022

SWIMGA Fall Conference 2022

The 2022 Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association Fall Conference is scheduled for October 15, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM at the Old National Events Plaza in Evansville, IN. The SWIMGA "Imagine" event should be of some interest to area birders and members of the Evansville Audubon Society.

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Speakers will include: Judy Burris & Wayne Richards who will talk about natural habitat conservation and responsible, chemical-free management of backyards to support native flora and fauna.  Irvin Etienne will provide information on plant selection and garden design based on his experience in designing and maintaining his own areas.  And, Charlie Nardozzi, an Emmy award winning garden writer, speaker, radio, and television personality will bring his 30 years of experience to provide gardening information to home gardeners.

Additional information for the 2022 Fall Conference can be found at www.swimga.org .  The conference is open to the public and you can register online here or you can print, complete and mail in the registration form here.

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2022

The Sycamore Land Trust (SLT) initiated a "Sponsor a Preserve" program for 2021. This campaign is designed to recognize supporters, individuals or organizations, that are committed to advancing the important stewardship work of SLT.   

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In 2021, and now again in 2022, the Evansville Audubon Society (EAS) has sponsored Eagle Slough Natural Area.  Eagle Slough is near and dear to our members who regularly visit and have volunteered to help maintain and preserve this important bird and wildlife habitat.

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To find out more about the SLT "Sponsor a Preserve" program and recognization of EAS sponsorship click here.  If you want to know more about this birding hotspot click here.   

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Window Bird Collisions

2022

Guide to Bird Window Collision Prevention

More than 100 million birds die each year hitting windows of residential homes.  After cat predation, window strikes are the leading cause of avoidable bird deaths.  If you were curious how to go about preventing window strikes in your home, then Jim Cubie's "Consumer Guide to Bird Window Collision Prevention", may be worth a look (click here to download).

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The guide describes proven options for prevention, how to make a DIY version of each option, a comparison and costs of each option described.  All options discussed in the guide are approved by the American Bird Conservancy.

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The free, 27 pages guide includes photos comparing windows with and without the prevention system installed.  The comparison looks at effectiveness, durability and ease of installation of each system.  You can also download a video version of the guide here.

Virtual Lecture with Doug Tallamy--Sponsored by Sycamore Land Trust

2022

Nature's Best Hope

If you missed the Dr. Tallamy virtual lecture on January 27th, 2022, then you are in luck because you now have a chance to see his amazing presentation on youtube.  You can click here to view.

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Douglas Tallamy is the T.A.Baker Professor of Agriculture in the Department of Entomology & Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware.

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Recent headlines about global insect and bird population declines are a bleak reality check about how ineffective our current landscape designs have been at sustaining the plants and animals that also sustain us. Such losses are not a desirable option but the good news is that none of this is inevitable. In the video, Dr. Tallamy  discusses simple steps that each of us can- and must- take to reverse declining biodiversity and will explain why we are nature’s best hope.