Immediate Release
August 31, 2012
Batavia, Ohio. Monarch butterflies migrate thousands of miles each year to southern California or Mexico to escape the cold, and the Clermont County Park District is having a Monarch butterfly tagging program so that you can be part of the amazing journey! Monarch Butterfly Tagging will be on Saturday, September 15 at Shor Park in Union Township; the program will begin at 2 p.m.
“It’s amazing to think these small, delicate insects migrate 2,000 to 3,000 miles each fall,” said Clermont Parks’ Chief Naturalist Keith Robinson. “In the spring, they’ll return to Clermont County, laying their eggs along the way. At the program, we’ll try to capture as many Monarchs as we can and tag them with their own unique identification number. We will record the information, and send it to the national database so the Monarchs can be tracked on their journey.”
In 2010, one of Clermont County’s Monarch butterflies was found at a wildlife sanctuary in Mexico. Through the tagging program, scientists are able to learn about the Monarch’s migratory patterns. The tagging itself is done by placing a lightweight, round tag on the butterfly’s wing; it does not affect the butterfly’s ability to fly, or harm it in any way.
“This is a family-friendly event, and all ages are welcome,” said Robinson. “Bring your own butterfly net, if you have one. Long pants and closed-toe shoes are recommended, since we may be going through the brush to catch butterflies.”
For more information, call 876-9013 or visit the website www.clermontparks.org. To watch a video about Monarch butterfly tagging, go to the website http://www.clermontcountyohio.gov/video0812monarch.aspx
Pictured above: Clermont Parks’ Chief Naturalist Keith Robinson with a Monarch butterfly
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For additional information about this or other county news, contact Clermont County Communications Assistant Rebecca Kimble at (513) 732-7597 or by e-mail, rkimble@ clermontcountyohio.gov.