Orange Alert: Save the Monarchs

Monarch Research Event Center | Sunday, May 18, 2025 | 1pm - 2:30pm 

Save the monarchs - plant milkweed!

The arrival of our local Monarchs is imminent, let's be ready! Creating a pollinator-friendly yard or garden incorporating native plants attracts butterflies and help monarchs thrive! Join us and learn from area experts how you can create a pollinator sanctuary in your own backyard and support the Midwest Monarch population - you won't want to miss it!

Monarch Research is dedicated to providing educational opportunities for nature enthusiasts everywhere. Join us for an afternoon of enlightening presentations, expert advice, prize drawings, BioTent display, and native plant sale (we are excited to work with local nurseries to bring native plant plugs to the event center! These plugs will be offered in the price range of $2-$5 per plug).

Registration is now open. This event is FREE to attend; RSVP is required.

Presentations:

Welcome & State of the Monarch |  Speaker: Augie Bergstrom, Manager of Monarch Research Station

Discover the current challenges facing the monarch butterfly population and explore how you can take action to support and protect these incredible pollinators.

The Power of Native Landscapes  |  Speaker: Natalie Ross, Owner of Ross Land Studio

Learn from local expert and landscape architect, Natalie Ross, the significance of native landscapes in promoting biodiversity, supporting local ecosystems, and creating thriving environments for both wildlife and communities.

Natalie is a registered landscape architect and owner of Ross Land Studio, a landscape architecture firm that creates resilient and sustainable landscapes for residents, businesses and institutions.  After gaining a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Minnesota, Natalie got her start designing landscapes in Seattle, working on large scale resort design, campus planning and green roofs.  In 2020 She moved back to her hometown of Cedar Rapids Iowa to raise her family and bring more naturalistic and localized design into her practice.  She finds inspiration from the remnant prairies and woodlands in her area, and tries to bring elements of those ecosystems into her client’s homes and businesses. Natalie serves on the Cedar Valley Montessori School Board of Directors, is a Commissioner on the Cedar Rapids Stormwater Commission, and was recently awarded the “Best New Volunteer” award from Trees Forever.

Ask an Expert

Our panel of local experts will be there to answer your questions about native plants, creating a sanctuary for pollinators, how to support the monarch population, and more!

Panel:

• Augie Bergstrom - Manager of Monarch Research Station
• Natalie Ross - Owner of Ross Land Studio and registered landscape architect
• Wanda Ohrt - Master Gardener and native plant expert
• Curt Froyen - Monarch Zone participant, retired science teacher
• Brett Seelman - Founder of Seelman Landscape Architecture and registered landscape architect