Monarch Butterfly Monitors Needed
ORGANIZATION: Friends of Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
Please visit the new page to apply.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of monarch butterflies spend the winter in groves of trees along the Central Coast of California. However, their numbers have declined by over 95% since the 1980s and the migratory population is at a high risk of extinction. In the 1980s, about 10 million monarchs overwintered in coastal California, while less than 300,000 were counted in 2017. Researchers are still evaluating what may be causing the downward trend in monarch populations in California, but potential causes of the declines are:
- Loss of milkweed and nectar plants due to herbicides, drought, wildfire and urban and agricultural development
- Loss and degradation of overwintering groves due to development and aging
- Other stressors such as disease, insecticides, and impacts of climate change.
Monarchs are especially vulnerable during the overwintering stage because there are so many butterflies are concentrated in just a few locations. One of those locations happens to be the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve in Cambria. We need your help to make sure this site provides the necessary habitat for them to survive. Monarchs will only overwinter in groves that provide suitable environmental conditions, such as high humidity, dappled sunlight, standing water, nectar sources and protection from high winds, storms, and fluctuating temperatures. We need volunteers to join our citizen science program to monitor monarch populations and/or environmental conditions in the overwintering grove. Can you give a few hours of your time to help save the monarchs?
All volunteers will be trained to count monarchs and/or collect information about habitat conditions. No prior experience is necessary. The position does require a commitment of 2-4 hours per month from October through February. It is also important that volunteers be able to work a shift starting at 8:00am or after 2:00pm, but otherwise the schedule is very flexible. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in making a difference by being a part of a citizen science project. It is also an excellent opportunity for students interested in gaining field experience in the natural sciences.
Please contact Holly at hslettel@calpoly.edu or (805) 239-3928 if you are interested.
More opportunities with Friends of Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
About Friends of Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
Location:
604 Main Street, PO Box 1664, Windsor Blvd, CAMBRIA, CA 93428, US
Mission Statement
Friends of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve’s mission is to protect and maintain the Ranch in a natural state compatible with passive recreation, excepting the designated area on the eastern portion that will allow active recreation. FFRP is committed to the on-going restoration and protection of the habitat, and natural and cultural features of the ranch while maintaining its historic public access.
Description
FFRP holds the conservation easement (a legal document that protects the natural resources) on the preserve for the public trust. The organization is responsible for monitoring the property for environmental, public serving, and easement compliance purposes. We review all plans for the property to safeguard this wonderful public resource.
We also help manage the property for the public by organizing volunteers to remove invasive plants, maintain trails and plant native species to help Mother Nature replenish her bounty.
FFRP organizes monthly walks with expert docents to educate the public about all aspects of the Ranch and sponsors a wildflower show each spring that displays over 500 specimens.
We raise funds from public and private sources and also provide a forum and vehicle for public input and direction on the management of the preserve.
Our Accomplishments include: Working with the CCSD on trail projects to improve accessibility to all; Installing and maintaining donor benches; Native planting programs and invasive plant removal to reestablish native habitat; Hosting the annual Cambria Wildflower Show; Coordinating monthly docent led walks on the Ranch; Participation in the Cambria Forest Committee; Providing input and significant changes to the Ranch’s Environmental Impact Report and related environmental studies.
Friends of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. FFRP's Board members serve 1- to 3-year terms. If you would like to become more active with the Ranch, perhaps you will consider becoming a Board member. We need some additional caring, dedicated and hard working directors to help shoulder the load and guide the future of this special property. If you are interested, first join FFRP, volunteer some time, and let us know you'd like to be considered for a director's seat.
CAUSE AREAS
WHEN
WHERE
Fiscalini Ranch PreserveTipton St & Warren Rd entranceCambria, CA 93428
DATE POSTED
September 12, 2018
SKILLS
- Data Entry
- Habitat Restoration
- Environmental Science
GOOD FOR
- Teens
- People 55+
REQUIREMENTS
- Driver's License Needed
- Must be at least 16
- Orientation or Training
- 2-4 hours per month
- Self-directed, accurate, thorough, dependable