Boonslick Master Gardeners hosted monarch tagging event

Maddison Concannon is office manager for MU Extension in Cooper County.

BOONVILLE, Mo. – Families, gardeners and butterfly enthusiasts gathered Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Boonville Katy Depot for Monarch Migration Tagging Day, hosted by the Boonslick Master Gardeners.

The family-friendly event gave a behind-the-scenes glimpse of monarch tagging, which allows researchers to track the butterflies’ migration to Mexico.

It also brought the community together for a morning of education, pollinator gardening, conservation and hands-on learning. Attendees enjoyed educational presentations, family activities, door prizes, face painting and opportunities to learn more about how they can support monarchs and other pollinators in their own communities.

Monarch butterflies were tagged with stickers and released, allowing them to migrate south to Mexico, where many will be caught again, allowing researchers to track their migration patterns.

Boonslick Master Gardener Chapter President Eddie Hudson welcomed families and guests and opened the event by highlighting the importance of monarch conservation and the work being done locally to support pollinators.

Boonville Mayor Mike Conway presented a proclamation recognizing Sept. 12 as Monarch Migration Tagging Day in Boonville, encouraging community members to learn about and support monarch conservation.

Kimberly Ann of Missouri Gardeners & More presented information about pollinator-friendly gardening and how homeowners can create welcoming habitats for monarchs, bees and other beneficial pollinators. She shared practical ideas that families can use in their own yards and gardens.

Attendees also learned about monarch migration and the scientific process used to track these remarkable butterflies. Laura Semken with the Missouri Conservation Corps presented a monarch tagging demonstration and explained how tagging contributes to scientific research and helps researchers better understand monarch migration.

The event also included a special appearance by the United States Postal Service, which offered a special pictorial cancellation commemorating the event. Special day-of-event souvenir envelopes were also available for purchase.

Representatives from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Missouri Conservation Corps and a local Girl Scout troop were on hand to share information about their programs and opportunities for community involvement.

Children and families enjoyed monarch-themed games, face painting and other family-friendly activities throughout the morning.

The Boonslick Master Gardeners were pleased to bring together local families, conservation organizations, gardeners and community partners to celebrate monarchs and raise awareness about the important role pollinators play in our environment.

The event demonstrated that conservation can begin right at home. By planting pollinator-friendly flowers, providing habitat and learning more about monarchs, community members can play a role in supporting these important butterflies and the broader pollinator population.

For more information about the Boonslick Master Gardeners or upcoming gardening and educational programs, contact the MU Extension Center in Cooper County at 660-882-5661.