Ohio Now Accepting Applications for the Monarch Butterfly Development Project

Ohio Now Accepting Applications for the Monarch Butterfly Development Project

 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a new conservation effort to help agricultural producers provide food and habitat for monarch butterflies.

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Ohio has $100,000 to help producers and conservation partners purchase nectar-rich plants like milkweed for creating monarch-friendly habitat along field borders, waterways and wetlands, and in pastures.  The funding and technical assistance to create the best habitat on a farm is part of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). 

Monarch populations have decreased significantly over the past two decades, in part because of the decrease in native plants like milkweed – the sole source of food for monarch caterpillars.  These once-common butterflies are growing less familiar, and we know private lands will continue to play a crucial role in aiding the recovery of this species.

These conservation improvements not only benefit butterflies, they also strengthen agricultural operations, support other beneficial insects and wildlife, and improve other natural resources.  Appropriate buffer habitats and better pasture management practices reduce erosion, increase soil health, inhibit the expansion of invasive species, and provide food and habitat for insects and wildlife.

Individuals interested in applying for the Monarch Butterfly EQIP project should make an appointment with the local NRCS conservationist to start the application and conservation planning process.   Call Kim Ray at 740-432-5621or stop in at 1300 Clark Street, Unit 10 in Cambridge.  Additional information is available on the Ohio NRCS website at www.oh.nrcs.usda.gov.

To receive consideration for funding this year, apply by May 20, 2016.