Monarch Research Project

10/12/2026

More than 141,000 trees distributed in six years — and still growing! 💚

Through our Planting Forward, One Child One Tree, and Woodlands programs, Linn County residents are helping restore the tree canopy we lost in the 2020 derecho, while supporting countless wildlife species our ecosystem depends on.

Whether you’re planting for your kids, your grandkids, or your yard, there’s a way to put down roots!

Check out The Gazette article for the stories behind these programs and the neighbors helping our tree canopy make a comeback.

Here’s a look at today’s front page. Check out The Gazette's daily digital edition at https://mygreengazette.com

10/05/2026

This past weekend we had the pleasure of handing out native trees to local residents who participated in our One Child One Tree and Woodlands programs.

These programs began as a way to replenish the trees Linn County lost in the 2020 derecho, while educating on the important role native trees play in providing habitat to pollinators and other essential wildlife.

Learn more about these programs (and how you can participate next year!) on our website: https://monarchresearch.org/programs and check out our story covered by Iowa's News Now.

🎥 https://cbs2iowa.com/news/local/free-tree-program-gives-2400-native-trees-to-linn-county-children

10/02/2026

A rare and hopeful discovery was spotted at the Monarch Research Station for the first time: a federally endangered Rusty Patched Bumble Bee.

This remarkable sighting shows why restoring native habitat matters. Native flowers, grasses, and trees provide the food, shelter, and overwintering spots pollinators need.

Read our blog to learn why this discovery matters, what it tells us about the power of restoration, and how you can help create a more hopeful future for bees, butterflies and other wildlife: https://monarchresearch.org/news-and-events/federally-endangered-rusty-patched-bumble-bee-spotted-monarch-research-station



The Rusty Patched Bumble Bee is one of about 21 species of bumble bees in the eastern United States and was listed as federally endangered in 2017.

📸 courtesy of Ann Hammond

09/29/2026

Reminder: October book club is next Tuesday!

Meet us at the Monarch Research Station for a casual and fun gathering where we will discuss the book, Wilding by Isabella Tree.

Didn't read the book? That's ok! We encourage everyone to join, whether they've read the book or not.

Bring a friend, bring your thoughts, and we'll see you there at 6pm!

09/02/2026

Friendly Reminder: Our public Monarch release is happening at 5:45pm tonight! Join us at the Monarch Research Event Center and witness the special moment of Monarchs (part of the fall migration generation) take flight into the wild.

See you there!

09/01/2026

We're hosting a public Monarch release - and you're invited!

Our monarch butterflies have been busy this season - pairing up, laying eggs, and growing into a large new group ready to take flight.

These butterflies are part of the fall migratory generation, beginning their remarkable journey south for the winter.

Join us this Wednesday evening, September 2, at 5:45pm at the Monarch Research Station in Marion for a fun, informal butterfly release, and experience the special moment of watching a monarch fly into the wild! We will also place Monarch Watch tags on some of the butterflies, helping researchers track their migration.

All are welcome - we hope you can join us!

(Free onsite parking will be available)

08/26/2026

📖 You're Invited! Our next Book Club meeting is Tuesday, September 1 at 6pm.

Join us for a riveting conversation about Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver. This New York Times Bestseller is a brilliant and suspenseful novel set in present-day Appalachia; a breathtaking parable of catastrophe and denial that explores how the complexities we inevitably encounter in life lead us to believe in our particular chosen truths.

Meet us at the Monarch Research Station for an informal and fun gathering as we discuss this award-winning contemporary work of American fiction - everyone is welcome, bring a friend!

Learn more about our book club: https://monarchresearch.org/programs/book-club