Monarch Research Project

06/16/2026

Save the date: Monarch Fest is Saturday, July 11!

Meet us at Indian Creek Nature Center for a fun-filled day learning about magnificent monarchs, then join us for a community favorite - a butterfly release!

Visit the Monarch Fest event page for full event details:

At Monarch Fest there is fun for the entire family as you learn about Monarch butterflies and other pollinators, release butterflies, make milkweed seedball ...

06/12/2026

Looking for something fun and family-friendly to do this weekend? Meet us at the Robins Round Up!

The Monarch Research team will be there to teach you all about the life cycle of monarch butterflies - and how you can raise monarchs at home - plus, kids can stop by our tent to get a certificate for a FREE native tree of their very own!

Stop by between 5pm - 10pm this Saturday, June 13 at South Troy Park in Robins, IA.

For a full list of activities (including a carnival, live music, bingo, and fireworks!) visit: https://www.robinscivicclub.com/round-up-afternoon--night.html

Robins Round Up is hosted by the Robins Civic Club.

06/10/2026

Hi Linn County! Did you know you can get your child or grandchild their very own tree? Through our One Child, One Tree program every child in Linn County can get their own tree to plant, nurture, and grow up with!

Choose between 28 different tree species - all native to Iowa, and all important to the foundation of our ecosystem.

One such tree is the Black Willow - a keystone species that supports over 450 species of caterpillars and larvae, making it one of the most ecologically productive native trees after oaks.

Take part in something amazing and give the children in your family a gift that lasts a lifetime!

Learn how to participate >> https://monarchresearch.org/programs/one-child-one-tree

06/09/2026

Meet our new Executive Director, Jesse Thoeming! Jesse brings extensive knowledge in community development and leadership to the Monarch Research team. When he's not out bicycling around the CR area, you may find Jesse writing his next novel (he is a published author) or recording an episode for his podcast. Welcome aboard, Jesse!

05/29/2026

It's the prime time to get your gardens planted, so why not brush up on your native plant knowledge?

Join us next Tuesday, June 2 at 6pm for our next Book Club meeting! We'll meet at the Monarch Research Station to share thoughts and favorite tips from the book Plant This, Not That, by Elise Howard.

These days, home gardeners know that many traditional, non-native garden plants—like English ivy, barberry, and burning bush—don't support our bees, butterflies, birds, and other creatures. Plant This, Not That considers some of the most common non-native (and often, invasive) plants in North American gardens and suggests substitutions for more beneficial and equally beautiful natives.

05/27/2026

Our good friend, Natalie Ross (owner of LandStudio) was featured for her beautifully unique and low-maintenance approach to landscaping. Natalie is re-shaping how homeowners approach their own landscaping projects, with the mindset of planting native.

Read the article here: https://www.thegazette.com/news/environment/cedar-rapids-landscape-designer-goes-beyond-lawns/article_ac68bd51-1cba-4728-927c-82da945f4513.html

Inspired to create your own thriving landscape? Explore our Native Oasis program: https://monarchresearch.org/programs/nativeoasis

Natalie Ross works with her clients to bring a healthy dose of native plants to their home gardens for unique, low-maintenance creations.

05/25/2026

🌟 Happy Memorial Day! 🌟

Our office is closed today in observance of the holiday. We'll be spending our time enjoying the sunshine, planting our gardens, and spending time with family and friends - we hope you get to do the same!

05/19/2026

Spring is here, and your trees are ready for a little mulch love! Just remember: when it comes to mulching, think donut, not volcano.

A proper mulch ring should look like a donut around the base of the tree (2-4 inches deep), leaving a little breathing room around the trunk. Piling mulch up against the trunk can trap moisture, invite pests, and cause rot. So give your tree some space to shine — no mulch volcanoes, please!