Did you ever want to build something new, but you didn’t know how? People who live near the monarch overwintering sites have basic needs (like water and the ability to cook their food) that at first glance appears in conflict with the monarchs. We are all aware of the importance of the oyamel forest that is home to the monarchs during the winter. But did you know the monarchs are also dependent on water for their survival before they begin the long journey north each Spring? What if there was a way to build a cistern to store water for the local communities (leaving more water for the monarchs)? What if someone could teach the local people how to build fuel-efficient stoves as well as create a tree nursery to guarantee trees for everyone’s needs for years to come?

Through your donations to the Monarch Butterfly Fund, we will do just that. In June we will feature Alternare community instructor Gerardo Segundo Sánchez, a campesino from El Oro in the State of México, as he shares his knowledge with nearby community members. His workshops will focus on building cisterns, fuel-efficient stoves, and growing tree seedlings for reforestation in locally-owned nurseries.  This educational opportunity is offered free of charge and Gerardo is eager to share this information with others.  Gerardo is promoting sustainable living in the Reserve – a win for the monarchs and the people. Best of all we all will be able to follow his achievements each day on our Facebook page. Be sure to tune in!