UTSA recognized as Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation
(Aug. 16, 2016) -- In recognition of its commitment to the preservation of Texas’ state insect, the monarch butterfly, The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) has been named a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF).
In April UTSA President Ricardo Romo dedicated 6.8 acres of the UTSA Main Campus to the research and preservation of monarch butterflies. The top-tier research, led by Janis Bush, UTSA professor of environmental sciences, is the result of a $300,000 grant from Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar.
“I’m excited for our research, the environmental sciences program here at UTSA and especially our students,” Bush said. “I think the great benefit of certifying that area through the NWF helps us further solidify our commitment to maintaining that area to preserve and study monarch butterflies.”
For the past year UTSA faculty members and students have been conducting roadside surveys throughout the state to determine the prevalence of monarch larvae and eggs in Texas. Their results will help preservationists determine whether the monarch should be placed on the federal endangered species list.
“It’s very inspiring to observe the tremendous impact our environmental sciences team is having on the monarch butterfly habitat and the repeated honors they are receiving for their work,” said George Perry, Semmes Foundation Distinguished University Chair in Neurobiology and dean of the UTSA College of Sciences.
According to Bush, early estimates from northern wildlife organizations show the population of monarch butterflies may have tripled this year as a result of efforts to maintain their Texas breeding grounds. Since specific numbers won’t be available until they pass through Texas again in October to return to Mexico, Bush isn’t celebrating just yet.
“I think all of the attention that has been paid to the monarch butterfly over the last year is helping them begin to thrive again,” she said. “I’m very excited to see how they’ve progressed since they were last here.”
Until then, Bush is gearing up for another round of roadside surveys, which this year will stretch further out of central Texas into Eagle Pass and Laredo. She is also collaborating with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on a job fair to build a career pipeline for environmental sciences students.
“It’s exciting to see so many opportunities for our students,” Bush said. “It’s great to see them reaching for careers with the federal government that would allow them to influence decisions to protect our wildlife.”
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Events
This event will acknowledge graduating seniors from the McNair Scholars program at UTSA before inducting the new cohort of scholars into the program.
North Paseo Building (NPB 5.140), Main CampusAt this memorable celebration, UTSA graduates will be introduced one-by-one to cross the stage and accept their doctoral degrees.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusRoadrunner Walk is an event for graduating students to have a memorable walk on campus to celebrate an important milestone and their achievements. Graduates will walk along the Paseo while being celebrated by the UTSA community, friends, and family members.
Student Union Paseo, Main CampusCelebrate the accomplishments of College of Education and Human Development, College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Sciences and University College.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.Celebrate the accomplishments of Alvarez College of Business, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.
