CT River Lecture Series – Monarch Butterfly Biology, Ecology, and Conservation Needs, with Kelsey Fisher

The monarch butterfly population in North America is in decline in association with the loss of breeding habitat, including milkweed and nectar resources, in the United States. Because of the challenging cost to support the ‘boots-on-the-ground’ effort required to reach this goal, it is imperative that new habitat establishment practices are designed to maximize monarch survival, longevity, and realized fecundity. Understandings of monarch behavior can help inform practical aspects of restoration, including where habitat and milkweed should be planted, what additional species should be included, and how restorations should be maintained.

Dr. Kelsey E. Fisher is an Assistant Agricultural Scientist II in the Entomology Department at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. Kelsey served as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Iowa State University (ISU) under the guidance of Steven P. Bradbury from 2021-2022.