The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History has been studying numbers of Western monarch butterflies since 1997, and that work, along with work of other organizations, is featured in a new full-length documentary by filmmaker Ian A. Nelson. Screening at the Museum on January 16 the film, titled Western Monarch Butterflies: Protecting Our Pollinators, follows the work of conservation organizations attempting to save this beloved and beleaguered invertebrate who scientists say have lost over 95% of their historic populations.

“The main takeaway from this film is that small actions can have a large impact, especially when we choose to act together.” says Nelson, “I hope viewers feel encouraged to create habitat for monarchs and other pollinators in their backyards and to get involved in conservation efforts working to protect these spaces on a larger scale.”

The film follows monarchs over the course of a year, interweaving their life cycle with the human efforts supporting them along their migratory journey. The result is a layered portrayal of the interconnectedness of humans and monarchs that demonstrates our reliance on each other and ways in which humans can help the ecosystems they are part of.

The screening will take place Friday, January 16, from 5:30-7:30pm and will feature a Q&A with Ian after the 70-minute film has completed. All purchases from tickets sold will benefit monarch conservation, and Museum Members of all levels will receive a discounted admission price. Tickets can be purchased at the Museum website at: www.pgmuseum.org/events

Upcoming Events at the Museum:

January:

Documentary Screening: Western Monarch Butterflies: Preserving Our Pollinators, 1/16, 5:30-7:30pm

LiMPETS RIM teacher training: 1/17

Bird Walk with Amanda Preece: 1/30, 9am-12pm

Science Saturday: Migration Celebration! 1/31, 10am-3pm

February:

Book Talk: Amphibians of California, 2/6, 5:30-7pm

Animal Painting Party, 2/7, 10:30am01:30pm

Science on Tap: Great White Sharks, 2/12, 5:30-7:30pm

Science Saturday: Reptile Revelry, 2/28, 10am-3pm

About the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

In 1883, the Museum opened its doors among the first wave of natural history museums in America. Naturalists of this era began a national tradition of hands-on science education and nature preservation, a tradition the Museum has continued for over 140 years. The Museum’s mission is to inspire discovery, wonder, and stewardship of our cultural and natural world. The Museum supports conservation, scientific literacy, co-curation, and deep learning towards a resilient community and sustainable future. Their work is made possible, in part, by the following generous donors: American Water Charitable Foundation, City of Pacific Grove, Community Foundation for Monterey County, Harden Foundation, Helen Johnson Endowment Funds, Monterey Peninsula Foundation, and Shelby Cullom Davis Charitable Fund. The Museum is open to the public Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm. For more information visit www.pgmuseum.org.