At Big Hollow Recreation Area's Hickory Shelter on Sunday, September 14th, starting at 11 AM till 12:30 PM, Des Moines County Conservation is all about Monarch Butterflies! During this program you will learn all about the beautiful Monarch Butterfly and what you can do to promote healthy habitat for this butterfly and other pollinators in Iowa. You will also have the opportunity to participate in citizen science by tagging Monarch butterflies! Every year, thousands of Monarch Butterflies migrate from the Midwest to overwinter in the Oyamel Fir Forests of Mexico. Citizen scientists east of the Rocky Mountains mark captured butterflies with special tags to identify individuals. When they arrive in Mexico the tags are retrieved, giving scientists valuable information to promote the conservation of this fascinating species. Bring the whole family and come take part in this program at Big Hollow Recreation Area's Hickory Shelter! Call Starr's Cave Nature Center at 319-753-5808 to learn more about this free program! We suggest bringing the following items: •Sunscreen •Bug spray •Closed-toed shoes (No flip-flops, please) •A refillable water bottle •Long pants are recommended – We may be near areas with poison ivy or itchy weeds and tall grass •Any necessary medical items, such as an EpiPen or inhaler
