Project Background

We are seeking observers to learn about the flowering timing of nectar sources for monarchs and other pollinators! Pollinators are an essential part of our environment - they ensure the reproduction of 85% of the world's flowering plants, and over two-thirds of our crop species. Many threats, including habitat loss and use of pesticides, threaten these pollinators.

One of the best-known butterlfies in North America is the monarch butterfly. Monarchs are renowned for their complex life cycle, which takes them on the longest-known migration distance for insects. 

Due to this complex, long-distance migration, the dietary needs of monarchs are complex. The nectar that they rely on to fuel their flight comes from a diverse suite of flowering species that occur across a large geographic area. Changes to these food sources, through habitat loss, pesticide use, or climate change, can be costly to monarch populations, as well as to the many other pollinators that rely on these same species for their dietary needs.

See what we learned from this campaign in 2022. 

Join us!

You can learn about these important nectar sources for monarchs and other pollinators by observing flowering of nectar plants in your own backyard, a nearby park, or other location you frequent! Your reports will help resource managers like the US Fish and Wildlife Service to better understand where and when nectar sources are available for monarchs and other pollinators across the United States so that they can take necessary steps to conserve and promote habitat for these pollinators.

The campaign focuses on 53 species of nectar plants in 17 genera. These species have been identified as important nectar sources for monarchs and other pollinators by the Xerces Society, Monarch Watch, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), National Audubon Society's Hummingbirds at Home and Plants for Birds programs, and the Community Greenways Collaborative. These genera include:

• Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.)
• Blazing stars (Liatris spp.)
• Asters (Symphyotrichum spp.)
• Goldenrods (Solidago spp.)
• Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium fistulosum)
• Lanceleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata)
• Lupines (Lupinus spp.)
• Bee balm/bergamot (Monarda spp.)
• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
• Coneflowers (Echinacea spp.)
• Sunflowers (Helianthus spp.)
• Prairie clovers (Dalea spp.)
• Thistles (Cirsium spp.)
• Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
• Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea)
• Baccharis (Baccharis halimifolia)
• Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)

See the full list of species by searching The Plants and Animals page, filtering for the Nectar Connectors Campaign under Plant Type. 

How to participate

1. Select one (or more) species to track from the list of species. To see which species are available in your state, go to The Plants and Animals page, and filter for your state and Nectar Connectors Campaign (under Plant Type). 

2. Join Nature's Notebook. If you haven't already, create a Nature's Notebook account. See our specifics of observing if you need more details on getting started.

3. Sign up to receive our Nectar Connectors campaign messaging (in the right sidebar of this page - you may need to scroll back up to see it). You will receive messages approximately every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, providing early results, encouragement, observation tips, interesting links, and campaign-specific opportunities. Don't miss out!

4. Take observations. We invite you to track leaf out in your plants ideally 2-4 times a week in the summer and fall when plants are flowering. We are especially interested in flowering phenophases, though you are welcome to report on leafing and fruiting as well.

5. Report your observations. As you collect data during the season, log in to your Nature's Notebook account and enter the observation data you recorded. You can also use our smartphone apps to submit your observations! 

Download a handout about the Nectar Connectors Campaign.

Read our final Nectar Connectors campaign message.