Monarch Research Project

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!

05/11/2026

Wonderful things take root and grow with the support and nurturing of fantastic partners 💚🌼 Thanks for sharing Moss Plant Shop!

05/10/2026

Happy Mother's Day!

Need a last-minute gift for mom or grandma? Give the gift of natural beauty and the joy of supporting pollinators with a Native Oasis!

We provide all the supplies, plants, expert guidance, AND a Master Gardener mentor to help along the way.

Learn how it works and register mom or grandma today to secure their spot: https://monarchresearch.org/programs/nativeoasis

05/06/2026

Families of Linn County: What if every child in our community could grow up alongside their very own tree?

Through the One Child, One Tree program, Monarch Research and local partners are giving one FREE native tree to every child in Linn County—helping the next generation connect with nature while making a lasting environmental impact.

Hear from our founder, Clark McLeod, on why planting native trees matters and how to participate: https://buff.ly/xrJswHU

Find certificate pick-up locations and program details:
https://buff.ly/VgrMbhs

Thank you to Iowa's News Now for helping us share this story with our community 💚

Tag a parent or grandparent who should know about this!

Hashtags:

After the derecho, Cedar Rapids lost almost 3/4th of its tree canopy. 6 Years later, efforts are being made to restore the canopy to preserve the ecosystem that

05/05/2026

Iowa's News Now

05/04/2026

Reminder: Our Book Club meets tomorrow, May 5 at 6 PM at the Monarch Research Station!

This month, we’re diving into Junglekeeper: What It Takes to Change the World by Paul Rosolie — a powerful memoir of courage, conservation, and deep connection to the Amazon. It’s part adventure, part heartfelt tribute to the wild places and people fighting to protect them.

Whether you’ve finished the book, just started, or haven’t cracked it open yet — please join us! Come share your thoughts, listen, and connect with fellow readers.

Bring a friend (or two!) and join us for a meaningful, relaxed evening. We’d love to see you there!