Iowa farmers who want to increase habitat for Monarch butterflies on their land now have opportunities to receive funding for conservation practices that attract Monarchs.

The Monarch butterfly has declined precipitously in recent decades, and is currently undergoing a status review for potential federal listing.

Iowa is one of nine states along the Monarch’s core migration route and primary breeding range. As part of the Monarch Butterfly Habitat Development Project, the effort is focusing on plantings of milkweed and Monarch nectaring forbs in wetlands and other marginal lands. This project is administered through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

A sampling of eligible conservation practices through the project includes: brush management, conservation cover, field borders, and prescribed burning. The application deadline for the Monarch Butterfly Habitat Development Project is May 20. Visit your local NRCS office to ask about developing a plan to address Monarch habitat or other resource concerns and financial assistance opportunities.

Iowa farmers will also have an opportunity to receive funding for conservation practices that improve Monarch habitat through a Regional Conservation Partnership Program project. Funding information for this project will be available later this year.

For more information, visit the Iowa NRCS website at www.ia.nrcs.usda.gov.