The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, supported by Squam Lakes Conservation Society, is
hosting a community citizen science project to monitor monarch butterfly larvae on milkweed. Interested
participants are invited to join weekly monitoring sessions every Monday at 9:30 a.m. at the Pemi-Oxbow
Preserve that straddles Holderness, Plymouth & Ashland.
On Monday July 28 th , a special Monarch Monitoring Monday, will be led by George DeWolf, coordinator of New
Hampshire’s longest-running North American Butterfly Association (NABA) butterfly survey, now entering its
22 nd year. George will give a guided tour of the Pemi-Oxbow Preserve and the various species of butterflies that
can be found there. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about our region’s butterflies from such a
knowledgeable guide!
By tracking the presence of monarch eggs and larvae, volunteers will contribute valuable data to the Monarch
Larva Monitoring Project, a nationwide initiative to better understand monarch breeding, distribution, and
population health. Community involvement is vital to these efforts, helping scientists and conservationists
protect monarchs and their habitats for future generations.
Volunteers of all ages are welcome! Meet in the back left corner of the Plymouth State University Ice Arena
parking lot at 9:30 on Monday mornings through the end of August. Pre-register at nhnature.org and Heidi
Emmons for more information at heidi.emmons@nhnature.org.
Please note:
PLEASE WEAR LONG PANTS, SOCKS, and CLOSED-TOED SHOES. There is a LOT of poison ivy on the walk
out, as well as a healthy population of wood ticks.
The walk to the field that we are monitoring is about ½ mile long, relatively flat, with easy footing.
For more information about how to get involved in the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project, visit
https://mlmp.org.
About Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
The mission of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is to advance understanding of ecology by exploring New
Hampshire’s natural world. Through spectacular live animal exhibits, natural science education programs, guided
Squam Lake Cruises, public gardens, and a nature-based Montessori early learning center, the Science Center
has educated audiences of all ages since 1966 about the importance of our natural world. Squam Lakes Natural
Science Center is Sensory Inclusive Certified by KultureCity. The Science Center is located on Route 113 in
Holderness, an easy drive from exit 24 off I-93, and public trails are open daily from May 1 through November 1
with programming throughout the year. For further information about the Science Center, call 603-968-7194 or
visit www.nhnature.org.