Peterborough Takes Action for Monarch Conservation Through 10 Kilometre Monarch Run

Local community members who are concerned about the environment and the plight of monarch butterflies are encouraged to join the inaugural Monarch Butterfly Festival and Race on Sunday, Oct. 15 at Millennium Park.

photo courtesy of the monarch ultra.

As many are aware the migratory monarch butterfly is now an endangered species, threatened by habitat destruction and climate change. The Monarch Ultra, a community-led group in Peterborough, is launching a new initiative as a call to action to protect monarchs and inspire positive environmental change.

After the initial 4,300 kilometre relay from Canada to Mexico in 2019 and the 1,800 kilometre relay within Ontario in 2021, the organization is embarking on a series of runs in Canada, the US and Mexico as well as organizing a Monarch Butterfly Festival in Peterborough to raise awareness for monarch conservation this year.

Runners can register for the 10 kilometre race and fundraise for Nación Verde, a non-profit conservation organization in Mexico that is helping to restore habitat loss from deforestation in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. The organization works in several areas including conservation, regeneration and protection of the environment. This year, Nación Verde is planning to plant 100,000 Oyamel trees along 100 hectares. Overall, planting trees is beneficial for the environment because it helps to fight climate change, minimize soil erosion, promote healthy forest and biodiversity, and helps reduce carbon dioxide. 100% of donations raised through the Monarch Run will be for Nación Verde who is playing a vital role in protecting habitat for monarch butterflies and other forest dwellers at the Reserva de la Biosfera de la Mariposa Monarca. Registration for the Peterborough 10 kilometre race and 1 kilometre kids fun run can be found online.

“I would love to see a sea of orange and black along the race route. An image of humans running with wings will mimic the monarch migration which takes place around the same time as our race,” says race director for the Monarch Ultra Jodi McNeill.

photo courtesy of the monarch ultra.

The Monarch Ultra has worked diligently for several years now to bring awareness and inspire action for monarch butterflies across North America. As they continue to educate and advocate for these endangered species, they encourage the community to join the movement and consider planting a pollinator garden or few pollinator-friendly plants such as milkweed (monarch butterflies need milkweed plants to lay their eggs) and avoid using pesticides in your garden and property.

“Recognizing that monarch butterflies are endangered should inspire action on several levels, and one way is for communities to protect and increase biodiversity along the migratory path which ultimately helps all wildlife species,” says Carlotta James, co-founder of the Monarch Ultra. “There are so many ways for folks to do something impactful and creative to save monarch butterflies. We can plant pollinator gardens. We can push governments to create better policies that protect biodiversity and wild spaces. And we can run for monarch conservation. I am doing all three actions so that we can continue to enjoy these migratory marvels flying through our summer skies.”

The out and back course will take runners along the Rotary Trail and Otonabee River. Following the race, families and community members are invited to participate in the Monarch Butterfly Festival starting at noon at Millennium Park. Participants can expect music, dancers, performances and presentations at the festival, while the event will also showcase sustainability and biodiversity initiatives.

The organizers are seeking out sponsors to support the community-led event. If interested, contact Carlotta James via email.

Register for the 10 kilometre race on October 15th, and come out to our Monarch Butterfly Festival to celebrate, to learn more about biodiversity initiatives, and to have fun, all in honour of the monarch butterfly.

To learn more about the Monarch Butterfly Festival and Race visit the website.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.