Monarchs fly through Wisconsin; scientists, volunteers tag their wings

ARLINGTON, Wis. — Monarch butterflies will flutter through south-central Wisconsin on their way to Mexico, and local scientist and public volunteers will be tagging them for a study on their migration Saturday.

Volunteers will gently net, hold, tag and release the monarchs. Madison Audubon and volunteers have tagged over 2,000 monarchs at Goose Pond Sanctuary since 2012. Twenty-two butterflies tagged at Goose Pond were found in Mexico, helping scientists to understand the massive migration that occurs in the lifespan of these monarchs.

“An event like monarch tagging is an awesome way for folks to connect with nature, and brings out the scientist in everyone,” Madison resident and regular attendee of the monarch tagging events Brenna Marsicek said in the release.

Tagging the monarchs makes it possible for do research on why they are in such dramatic decline throughout North America and how to help, according to the release.

The next monarch tagging event will take place Saturday in two sessions, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, and 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the Madison Audobon Society Goose Pond Sanctuary. To register for the event go to the Madison Audubon website.

COPYRIGHT 2023 BY CHANNEL 3000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.