This year, 386 observers reported on Nectar Connectors species. These observers submitted data at 198 sites. The most observed species across the country were common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), rush milkweed (Asclepias subulata), butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), eastern purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), and common buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis).

We have 57 Local Phenology Programs tracking Nectar Connectors species this year. The 10 LPPs submitting the most records this year are below. Thanks to you all for your efforts - every record that you submit is valuable!

The map below indicates the sites where you reported on Nectar Connectors species this year. The colors of the dots indicate when the average first date of open flowers was reported at that site, with earlier dates in dark red and later dates in gold. The shape of the dots represents the different genera of nectar plants.

Generally, your reports of first flowers in the Southeast this year were early or late in the year, corresponding with the time when monarchs are migrating through the region. In the Midwest and Northeast, you reported onset of flowering throughout the spring, summer, and fall. In the West, your reports were generally early in the year, particularly in the Southwest.

Let's take a closer look at the results of open flower reports for one of the most observed genera across the nation: Asclepias (milkweeds).

• Asclepias species had the most observations for open flowers in the West, and also saw open flowers every month except February.
• The Southeast and Midwest had similar reports of open flowers between June and October
• The Northeast began seeing open flowers a bit earlier in May.

What does this mean for monarchs? In the Eastern United States, monarchs migrate north from Mexico in the spring, and subsequent generations eventually reach the northern United States and Canada in the summer. Monarchs then make their migration back south in the late summer and fall. The Western population follows a distinct migration pattern and generally winters in coastal California.

As we found in previous years, your reports indicate that generally flowers were available for monarchs at locations along their migration route at the time monarchs would need them in a typical year. 

As we see more unusual seasonal climate such as early springs and late autumns, your data will help us to better understand the subtle changes in the timing of flowering from year to year. This will help us to know how nectar sources are shifting, and whether sufficient flowers are available where and when monarchs and other pollinators need them the most.

For example, let's look at the timing of open flowers in eastern baccharis (Baccharis halimifolia) reported by observers over the past five years. This species is an important fall blooming plant for monarchs as they make their way south to their wintering grounds. All years had a peak in mid-October, though all years varied in proportion of observers who reported yes for open flowers. Your observations of flowering reported at the same locations over multiple years are incredibly valuable to help us see changes from year to year.

Want to learn more about monarch activity this winter? You can sign up to receive updates about our Desert Refuge campaign. Desert Refuge was created by USA-NPN and Desert Botanical Garden to better understand the overwintering monarch population in Arizona and the milkweed species they rely on. If you live in Arizona and want to observe monarchs and milkweeds using Nature's Notebook, you'll be contributing to important monarch research! With the USFWS recently proposing to list monarchs as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, it's more important than ever to understand and protect these amazing animals.

Did you earn your Nectar Connectors badge this year? See it on your Observation Deck.

We hope that you will join us again next year to continue to report on flowering of your nectar plants.

Would you like a holographic nature's notebook sticker (pictured at right)? Send your mailing address to samantha@usanpn.org and we will mail one to you. 

Thank you for your contributions to this important project!