Platte Ridge Park to Host Monarch Tagging Program This Weekend

PLATTE COUNTY, Mo. (W1N) — The Missouri Department of Conservation will hold a free citizen science program to help conservation agents tag monarch butterflies.

The program will take place at a native grassland restoration area in Platte Ridge Park near Platte City. There will be two sessions: the first from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and the second from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 21.

Participants will learn about local butterflies, their life cycles, and their role as pollinators. They will use butterfly-safe nets to capture butterflies. Monarchs will receive small ID tags to help scientists track their movements and population numbers.

The event is open to ages 5 and older. All attendees must register due to limited spots. As of Wednesday afternoon, 21 spots were available for the 9 a.m. session and 31 spots for the 11 a.m. session.

Registration Links:

9 a.m. Session: https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/…/EventDet…/202917

11 a.m. Session: https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/…/EventDet…/202918

Conservation agents recommend dressing for the weather, wearing long pants, and using insect repellent.