Introduction

The ecosystems that we share with fellow beings are deeply affected by the past and present actions of ourselves, our communities, and the institutions and systemic practices which shape the world. Some of these practices and institutions (and even our actions) operate within the premises of competition and scarcity, where exploitation and disposability are integral parts of all interactions, even when these interactions include fellow living beings.

But there are many ways of existing in the world, knowing the world, and shaping it. We would like to take a cue from some of our fellow plants, like certain trees and fungi, who work together in the forest to share nutrients and warning signs. And a cue from social justice and climate justice community organizers, working to create a more abundant present and future for all.

The Monarch Guide provides a more in depth look at the Monarch and Pollinator conservation done by the UIC Heritage Garden, and the Monarch Kit provides different ways to present the information. Both with the goal of engaging diverse audiences with ideas and actions of conservation, social justice, and cultural diversity.

Thank you to the UIC Heritage Garden Leaders of 2021 who compiled the Monarch Kit, and contributed part of the artwork and illustrations: Zuleyma Morales, Keyana Robinson, Grace Fick and Eyzel Torres. The Monarch Guide was was compiled by the UIC Heritage Garden leaders of 2018: Sarah Gabriella Hernandez, Jonathan Villaseñor, Tran Huynh, Nour Ghalyoun and Alex Smith, with updates by the 2021 leaders. The lead graphics designer and illustrator is Alonzo Zamarron.

Support for this project was provided by the USDA Forest Service International Programs, the UIC Sustainability Fee and the UIC Latino Cultural Center.

Monarch guide

The goal of this guide is to provide comprehensive information for the UIC Heritage Garden internship around monarch butterfly conservation at UIC and in the Chicago-land area, as well as how to engage in community science efforts at UIC.

Scroll through the images to see the guide, or download a PDF using the button below the images.

Monarch Kit

Here you will find almost all the components of the kit available for download, along with a description of what each component is.

Intro card

Monarch Butterfly rendering using poligon-inspired designs on the wings.

  • Land Acknowledgement

  • Why we created this kit

  • Monarch Kit Content

  • Additional Resources

 

Info cards

  • Three illustrated information cards on monarchs and their relationship to their environments.

  • Three illustrated information cards on monarch anatomy and life stages.

  • Three illustrated information cards on pest and predators for monarchs.

    Download the cards by clicking on the images. Let us know if you have trouble accessing or need a different format by emailing us at heritagegarden.uic@gmail.com.

You can also click here to download a PDF of our Monarch Habitat Fact Sheet with information on nectar plants, Monarch migration, milkweed and more (it is easier to print).

Historias Monarca

Historias Monarcas Logo

A collection of stories from various Mexican communities around Chicago that illustrates all the beautiful connections they have with Monarchs and their relationship with conservation happening in the Midwest and Mexico! Previously published through the collaboration of the UIC Heritage Garden, Latino Cultural Center, USDA Forest Service International Programs, Enlace Chicago and Yollocalli Arts Reach.

 

Monarch Zine

Monarch Butterfly surrounded by a semicircle of illustrations that represent different threats. These include a tree that has been cut down, a thermometer with rising temperatures, trucks for pollution and more.

Interns at the Heritage Garden self-published print-work that represents various cultural & communal ties with Monarch Butterflies. You can decorate it, hang it up or share it!

Follow the same instructions as for the Historias Monarcas Zine.

 

Interview with the Monarch Traveling Band

Learn more and talk with fellow monarchs Marty, Monica, Mark and Marisco as they discuss their lives on the road!

 

Stickers and seeds

Sticker sheet with the members of the Monarch Traveling band, their logo, and a sticker that says "Migration is Preservation" with a Monarch in the middle.

Stickers

Email us at heritagegarden.uic@gmail.com to share the Adobe Illustrator file with you so you can print your own stickers.

Seeds

Email us at heritagegarden.uic@gmail.com to get free seeds from the seed library. The seeds are housed at UIC. We have limited mailing funds for community members who live in environmental justice communities.