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Case Study #2: Buckley Space Force

Nestled on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Buckley Space Force represents an area of interest because it is located on the outer edge of the monarch's habitat range. Through DoD support, MJV was able to provide habitat technical assistance for a monarch habitat restoration project along the riparian area within the facility. Monarch caterpillars and eggs have already been found using the restoration. This is the first documentation of monarch eggs and larvae found at Buckley. In August, MJV staff will hold a training workshop on monarch habitat identification and IMMP. In addition to DoD staff, Buckley will welcome USFWS staff to join the workshop to learn about monarch monitoring and strengthen partnerships across federal agencies.

Through DoD support, technical guides will be developed for riparian area pollinator habitat establishment and best management practices for actions based on timing windows/phenology/seasonality of when habitat is important for monarchs.

Third instar monarch caterpillar found at Buckley Space Force on common milkweed.
Third instar monarch caterpillar found at Buckley Space Force on common milkweed.


Monarch egg found on showy milkweed at Buckley Space Force
Monarch egg found on showy milkweed at Buckley Space Force