The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has announced $5.2 million in grants to conserve monarch butterflies and other insect pollinators in 24 states. The grants will leverage $5 million in matching contributions for a total conservation impact of $10.2 million, according to a news release.
The grants were awarded through the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund, a partnership between NFWF and the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, Bayer Crop Science, Danone North America and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation.
Projects supported by the 17 grants will increase the quality and quantity of pollinator habitat for monarch butterflies, rusty-patched bumble bees and other native pollinators and will enhance outreach and support voluntary conservation efforts on private working lands, the release said.
“Monarch butterflies and pollinators make essential contributions to natural ecosystems, agriculture and the economy,” said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO for NFWF. “The grants announced today will advance collaborations with public and private land managers to restore and improve habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.”
Collectively, it is expected that the projects announced will:
- Restore and enhance more than 26,000 acres of pollinator habitat.
- Collect more than 360 pounds of milkweed seed.
- Propagate more than 3,000 milkweed seedlings.
- Host more than 190 workshops and meetings that advance pollinator conservation.
Over the past 20 years, the monarch butterfly population has declined by more than 80% throughout much of its range, and several other pollinators have experienced similarly dramatic declines in recent decades, the release said. Habitat loss is a primary threat to many of these species.
“It’s exciting to continue to be part of the diversity of interests supporting America’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners who are managing working lands for healthy monarch habitat,” NRCS Chief Terry Cosby said. “Agricultural landscapes depend on pollinators to produce high-value fruit and vegetable crops, and accomplishing large-scale habitat improvements for the monarch butterfly and other key pollinator species is critical to ensuring sustainable working lands.”
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams said that by using more milkweed and nectar plants in restoration and enhancement projects and providing technical assistance to make sure projects are as impactful and effective as possible, the NFWF’s Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund plays a critical role in increasing pollinator habitat.
“The NFWF Pollinator Fund, over the past 10 years, has demonstrated the long-term dedication that is needed to drive the restoration of biodiversity and ecosystem services through these on-the-ground conservation projects,” said Tim Fredricks, environmental engagement manager for Bayer Crop Science. “Bayer continues to be a proud supporter of this grant program as we believe that our commitments to biodiversity and productivity in the agricultural landscape are compatible goals.”
Jessie Copeland, head of regenerative agriculture for Danone North America, said the initiative exemplifies the power of collaboration in conserving pollinators and increasing biodiversity through localized, on-the-ground conservation projects.
“By working together — and in partnership with farms and rural communities — we can significantly enhance habitats for pollinators while increasing the productivity and resilience of farms and native ecosystems,” Copeland said.
“Pollinators are critical for the success of gardeners, and we are proud to partner with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation on these grants to protect and restore their habitats,” said Brian Herrington, president for The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation. “Aligned with our Pollinator Promise to help establish and enhance pollinator gardens, we look forward to the continued efforts in conserving and recovering pollinators through the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund.”
In 2015, NFWF established the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund, a public-private partnership that funds projects to protect, conserve and increase habitat for monarch butterflies and other pollinators. By leveraging the resources and expertise of its partners, the fund is helping to reverse recent population declines and ensure the survival of these valuable species, the organization said.
Since 2015, the fund has awarded $29 million to 156 projects that are helping conserve and recover the monarch butterfly while also benefiting other pollinator species, the release said, adding that grantees have matched that investment with an additional $43.9 million for a total on-the-ground impact of $72.9 million.
Related link: A complete list of the 2024 grants made through the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund
