Live Mini Monarch Essentials

Join the Monarch Joint Venture for a virtual 3-week course to learn about monarch butterfly ecology, threats, and the effective conservation actions that you can take to help protect this iconic species. All classes are recorded and also available for later viewing.
  • Class type: Live, Interactive on Zoom call
  • Dates: Wednesdays, October 15, 22, and 29
  • Time: 1:00 - 2:30pm Central Time
  • Language: English
  • Instructors: Alyssa Taylor, Jenna Totz and other MJV Staff
  • Course Fee: $75 ($60 for students, teachers, and seniors)

Note that users will be prompted to create an account in order to register for and access the course.

If cost is a barrier to your participation and you would like to request financial support, please email learn@monarchjointventure.org.

If you are already enrolled in the self-paced Mini Monarch Essentials course and would like to join us for this live course, please email learn@monarchjointventure for a discounted rate.

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ABOUT THIS COURSE

Join the Monarch Joint Venture for an engaging, live Mini Monarch Essentials course over three days in October 2025! Dive deep into the fascinating world of monarch butterflies with comprehensive sessions that cover monarch butterfly biology, life cycle and identification, migration and overwintering biology, threats and stressors and actions you can take to protect this iconic species. This live course will feature breakout rooms for discussions, additional topics not found in the online course, and ample time for Q&A sessions. Don't miss this opportunity to interact with experts and fellow enthusiasts in a dynamic learning environment!

Dates: October 15, 22, and 29

Time: 1:00-2:30 pm CT, Wednesdays (2:00 Eastern, 12:00 Mountain, 11:00 Pacific)

Length of sessions: 1.5 hour sessions, 3 weeks

  • After attending these sessions, participants have access to all recorded sessions. Participants will have the opportunity throughout the course to ask questions via email or on discussion boards, as well as take part in monthly 'office hours.' These sessions are 30 minutes and are an open time to ask questions of MJV staff and the course platform and course content. 
  • Clock hours (CEUs) can be given to educators for teacher license renewal, Master Gardeners/Naturalists looking for continuing education hours, and anyone else looking for a certificate. Just email us!

Testimonials

...the Mini Monarch Essentials Course is a must for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of Monarch butterflies and actively contribute to their conservation. I left the course feeling not only more informed but also inspired to take meaningful steps in preserving these incredible insects. Don't hesitate – join this course and be part of the Monarch butterfly conservation movement. You won't be disappointed!

Sara, Illinois

This is an excellent program for anyone who is interested in learning more about monarchs and monarch conservation but doesn't know where to start. The course is based in scientific research but avoids being bogged down by jargon and complicated language, and is a really comprehensive overview of the species, their biology, what threats face them, and how you can get involved and make a difference.

Catherine, Illinois

This course was great to get an understanding of the full situation with the Monarch butterfly. It helped to clarify parts of the lifecycle that I was not aware of despite having taught about butterflies for over a decade. I feel like I can better teach my students how to help Monarchs and other pollinators as well. The information was clear and well expressed to help me easily understand. In addition, the resources provided to look at in further detail are excellent and well put together.

Misty, Alabama

Course 

Curriculum

Week 1 / Oct 15

Breeding Biology, Life Cycle, Identification, & Milkweed ID

Week 2 / Oct 22

Migration, Overwintering, and Natural Threats

Week 3 / Oct 29

Human Threats, Populations, and Conservation Actions

 

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