Page 25 - May/June 2022 Outdoor Oklahoma

“We’ve already spotted four dif-
ferent species of milkweed on this EMILY GEEST/COURTESY
property in just a few hours and a
handful of transects,” Geest said. “I
think the diversity of plants and but-
terflies we’ve seen today is a great
start in showing that landowners’
management actions and choices
can make a positive difference for
pollinators and other wildlife.”
This past January, Berg received
preliminary findings from the milk- A monarch caterpillar was documented on a survey of Berg’s property.
weed survey that confirmed his habi-
tat-enhancement practices were paying dividends.
“Having actual research to back up things that you do
is great. I think this research shows the benefits of years’ EMILY GEEST/CC-BY INATURALIST
worth of projects that I've completed with assistance from
NRCS, ODWC, Pheasants/Quail Forever, Partners for Fish
and Wildlife, and the GRIP program with the Joint Venture.
Past projects are impacting my management, which ulti-
mately is benefiting monarchs.”
Among the survey findings about Berg’s property:
• The area had very good flowering plant availability for
monarchs (scoring Excellent in nectaring habitat).
• Five types of milkweed recorded.
• Butterfly species encountered totaled 25, including
some uncommon skippers such as an arogos skipper.
Clearwing moth photographed during a survey of Berg’s property.
• Four types of bumblebees were
recorded, including American
bumble bees and black and gold
bumble bees. EMILY GEEST/CC-BY INATURALIST EMILY GEEST/CC-BY INATURALIST
“I’m happy to see the variety of
plant species as well as insects that
they documented while conducting
their transect surveys. You always
kind of wonder if your efforts are
working. Glad to see the benefit to
monarchs and all of the other species
listed here.”

For more about the
Wildlife Department’s
habitat improvement
programs in your area, This uncommon arogos skipper butterfly was
observed during a habitat survey of Berg’s
scan the code: Green comet milkweed during a survey of property.
Berg’s property.

MAY/JUNE 2022 23

4/18/2022 2:44:12 PM
OutdoorOK-2022-May-June-1.indd 23
OutdoorOK-2022-May-June-1.indd 23 4/18/2022 2:44:12 PM