Pollinator Partnership’s (P2) Project Wingspan is a regional seed collection and habitat enhancement effort sponsored by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to enhance native habitat vital to monarchs (Danaus plexippus) and other native pollinators. P2 is working closely with the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, Arkansas Monarch Conservation Partnership, Quail Forever, Audubon Arkansas, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and Arkansas Native Seed Program to contribute meaningfully to the tremendous work already underway throughout the state.
If you are interested in joining the Project Wingspan team to help improve the landscape for our imperiled pollinators, there are several ways you can get involved and make a difference! Read on for specifics.
- Sign up to become a seed collection volunteer.
- Participate in the online habitat survey.
- Learn how you can enhance the habitat areas that you own or manage.
- Spread the word! Let your friends, family, and colleagues know about this exciting opportunity.
Just like many species of birds, the iconic monarch butterfly and its spectacular migration are in jeopardy. Their North American numbers have suffered a steep decline of approximately 90% over the past two decades. While there are many factors driving broad bird and pollinator declines, one key cause for the reduction in populations is the loss of native habitat. As a result, P2 has joined forces with many organizations and agencies throughout Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin to enhance the landscape by planting high value host and nectar plants across the Midwest and Great Lakes Region and support the conservation of these imperiled species.
We are seeking enthusiastic seed collecting volunteers in Arkansas to help identify and collect seeds from milkweed and other common native nectar plants. As a seed collecting volunteer, you will be provided with training on plant identification and seed collection protocols. Seed collection volunteers provide valuable contributions to support migrating monarchs and other imperiled pollinators.
Habitat Wanted
Project Wingspan will work to document, secure, and enhance monarch and other rare pollinator habitat. Public land managers and private land stewards (with at least one acre of land) who are committed to long-term habitat conservation are invited to participate. To join in this effort, complete the preliminary online survey. Selected sites may be eligible for native plant material awards. Visit https://pollinator.org/wingspan/survey .
Spread the Word
Who can get involved? Just about anyone! This project is a great opportunity for Audubon members, Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, park friends groups, naturalists, native plant societies, community organizations, and others to engage with their local community, support imperiled pollinators, and gain valuable skills. Please consider joining the Project Wingspan team and help us save these imperiled pollinators from disappearing from our landscapes forever. Together, we can make a difference! For questions, please send email to Sara Wittenberg .
Photos:
Photo 1 — Team lead Larry Price of Russellville proudly shows off the results of the day's efforts. His team draws volunteers from the Foothills Chapter of the Arkansas Master Naturalists as well as community members from the Russellville/Conway area who are interested in conservation.
Photo 2 — (Click on the image to enlarge it) Project Wingspan worked with the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission to develop three ecoregional collection zones from which volunteers collect native seed. This seed represents 26 species of plants that bloom from April to October.
Photo 3 — Project Wingspan volunteer collects buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) seed at Hobbs State Park.
Photo 4 — Much of the seed collected by volunteers in Arkansas comes from roadsides. Arkansas Department of Transportation (ArDOT) has been an important contributor of collection locations from their rights-of-way.