The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place Feb. 1 at noon CST will feature Kelsey E. Fisher, assistant agricultural scientist II at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in New Haven, Connecticut. Fisher’s research focuses on insect movement ecology and its relationships to animal movement behavior and spatial configuration of resources. She works in the field, greenhouse and lab to address research questions related monarch butterfly conservation in agroecosystems.

Iowa Learning Farms is an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach conservation and water quality education program.

In the webinar, “Monarch Butterfly Biology, Ecology and Conservation Needs,” Fisher will highlight the outcomes of collaborative work on monarch butterfly conservation conducted at Iowa State University, including the notable suggestion that milkweed and nectar resources be planted within 50 meters of established habitat to create a functionally connected landscape that facilitates monarch movement. Fisher will also provide examples of how her research methods, including radio telemetry, population genetics, stable isotope analysis, geospatial analyses and spatial modeling, contribute to monarch conservation strategies.

“Monarch butterflies may be small in size, but they play a significant agroeconomic role, and it is crucial for stakeholders to work together to understand and implement successful conservation strategies that will increase the population,” said Fisher. “Understanding monarch butterfly biology and ecology is fundamental to designing robust management strategies that will preserve these insects while supporting agricultural needs.”

Participants are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.

Webinar Access Instructions

• To participate in the live webinar, shortly before noon CST Feb. 1:
• Click this URL, or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172
  • Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 364 284 172

• Or, join from a dial-in phone line:

Dial: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923

Meeting ID: 364 284 172

The webinar will also be recorded and archived. All archived webinars are available on the ILF website, so that they can be watched at any time.

ILF has applied for a Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit (CEU) for attending this webinar. Those who participate in the live webinar are eligible. Information about how to apply to receive the credit will be provided at the end of the live webinar.

Upcoming Webinars in the Series:

Up Next: Wednesday, Feb. 8
Climate Smart Agriculture and Crop Insurance – A 2023 Update, with Pamela Stahlke, director, USDA – Risk Management Agency St. Paul Regional Office

Feb. 15: Marshall McDaniel, Iowa State University

Feb. 22: Greg LaBarge, The Ohio State University

March 1: Justin Glisan, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship