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Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm

Monarch Health

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Athens, GA
Monarch Health

Monarch Health: A community science project where volunteers across North America monitor the health of wild monarchs.

We collaborate with participants to track the spread of the parasite Ophryocystis elektroscirrha over geographic space and through time. Monarch Health is a community science project to track the prevalence of the protozoan parasite Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE) in monarch butterflies. This parasite does not infect humans but can make butterflies sick: Monarchs infected with OE often do not fly as well or live as long as uninfected monarchs. Infected monarchs may look deformed after they emerge from their chrysalis, or they may appear completely normal. To test monarchs for OE infection, volunteer participants (1) Obtain wild adult monarchs by either catching or rearing them, and (2) Press a clear sticker against the monarchs' abdomen to collect any parasites (which are external at this stage). Monarchs are then released, entirely unharmed. At the Altizer lab at the University of Georgia, we examine each sample using a microscope to detect OE parasites. We share all results with participants, answer questions about monarch diseases, and send free sampling kits to volunteers.

10/10/2025

Meet Project Monarch Health's Director!🦋

Sonia is a UGA Distinguished Research Professor and serves as Department Head for Entomology at the University of Georgia. Her research focuses on insect ecology, animal migration, parasites and environmental change. For the past 30 years, starting as a PhD student at the University of Minnesota, she’s studied the migration, ecology and conservation of monarch butterflies. Sonia launched Project Monarch Health at UGA in 2006 with the help of then-undergraduate student Natalie Kolleda-Tarpein. When she is not chasing butterflies or working in the office, lab or classroom, Sonia is trail riding with her two horses, walking her golden retriever, picking veggies in the garden, and hanging out with her two boys, ages 10 and 14. Fun fact: This year, Sonia added amateur beekeeper to her list of hobbies! 🐛

10/03/2025

Meet one of Project Monarch Health’s Laboratory Assistants! 🦋

Coriander is a third-year majoring in ecology with a minor in anthropology and a local food systems certificate. She is interested in entomology, One Health, and how culture shapes natural science. At the Altizer lab, she loves working with caterpillars and sharing their wonders with others. Coriander also likes yoga, running, thrifting, and excellent food. 🐛

09/29/2025

Pack an OE testing kit with Project Monarch Health!
Each hand-stamped kit includes:
- a Project Monarch Health Brochure
- Collection Instructions
- Testing Instructions
- Data sheets
- Monarch Larva Monitoring Instructions
- and a return envelope with 2 sticker sheets and index cards!

09/26/2025

Meet one of Project Monarch Health’s Laboratory Assistants! 🦋

Bailey is a senior pursuing a B.S. in Ecology with minors in aquatic and wildlife sciences. They are especially interested in wildlife health and conservation-focused community science. Bailey’s favorite parts of PMH are caring for live butterflies and talking with the wonderful volunteers. Outside the lab, Bailey loves attending concerts and spending time outdoors. 🐛

09/19/2025

Meet one of Project Monarch Health’s Laboratory Assistants! 🦋

Ruhi is third year at UGA with a double major in Biomedical Physiology and Psychology, and a minor in Spanish. She is pursuing the pre-medical track, and she is passionate about public health and getting people involved in science-based projects. When not in the lab, Ruhi enjoys dancing, baking, and painting! 🐛

09/17/2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Insectival this past Sunday! 🦋

09/15/2025

We have spotted lots of monarchs flying around Georgia this week - how about you? 🔎🦋

Our favorite butterflies are on the move and have started their journey to Mexico!

Make sure to send in your summer samples, order a free testing kit, and keep sampling monarchs if you see them this fall! 🐛

To request a sampling kit, email us at monarchhealth@gmail.com

Please send your samples to our new mailing address at:
Project Monarch Health
Dept of Entomology
410 Cedar St Bldg C
Athens, GA 30602

09/12/2025

Meet one of Project Monarch Health’s Lab Assistants! 🦋

Alexa is a senior pursuing an A.B. in Ecology. They are especially interested in insects and arachnid behavior, conservation science and science communication. Alexa's favorite things about working in the lab are caring for caterpillars, interacting with volunteers, and collaborating with her lovely lab mates! Outside of PMH, they enjoy cross stitching, mothering a very sassy cat, and exploring the outdoors. 🐛

09/10/2025

Come visit us at Insectival this Sunday at the State Botanical Gardens from noon to 4pm!

Costs are $5 per person or $20 per family.

2450 S Milledge Ave, Athens, GA 30605

09/05/2025

Meet Project Monarch Health’s Graduate Student Researcher! 🦋

Charlotte is starting her third year as a graduate student with Project Monarch Health. In her research, she uses mathematical models and volunteer observations to figure out 'what's going on with wintering monarchs in the US Southeast?' Charlotte is originally from Washington, DC, but now lives in Athens, GA, with her cat, Calvin. When she was a kid, she wanted to be an entomologist or a presenter on Antiques Roadshow. 🐛

08/29/2025

Meet Project Monarch Health’s Social Media and Outreach Coordinator! 🦋

Alexa is pursuing a master’s of natural resources with a focus in environmental education. She is very passionate about outreach, and hopes to pursue a career working with ambassador animals. In her free time, she enjoys photography, gaming, and spending time with her pets. 🐛

08/25/2025

Fall migration is just around the corner 🦋

Don’t forget to request your free sampling kit by emailing us at: monarchhealth@gmail.com 📧

…and keep an eye out for our 2024 results, coming soon! 📊🐛

Address

410 Cedar Street Bldg C
Athens, GA
30602

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

(706) 542-3485

Website

https://linktr.ee/projectmonarchhealth

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