There’s something magical about walking into the Field Museum Herbarium. It’s a quiet, tucked-away space where plants become history and history becomes a roadmap for conservation. On my recent visit, I had the privilege of meeting with Karen Klinger, a GIS Specialist and key figure in the museum’s monarch butterfly conservation research. We spent time exploring the herbarium, talking about the transformative power of urban spaces, and how they can provide a lifeline for pollinators like the monarch butterfly.

Karen’s work is rooted in the same values that guide me every day: creating spaces where life—plant, animal, and human—can thrive together. What struck me most about our conversation was how much hope her research can inspire. Even in the most densely packed urban environments, we have the power to nurture wild spaces that support not just monarchs, but entire ecosystems.

Monarchs in the City: Karen’s Research and the Urban Habitat Connection

Karen’s research focuses on how urban spaces, such as gardens, parks, and even balconies, play a crucial role in supporting monarch butterflies. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Karen maps the interplay between monarch migration routes and urban landscapes. Her findings highlight that cities are not just waypoints but potentially critical habitats where monarchs can find food, rest, and places to lay their eggs.

During our conversation, Karen explained that urban areas are often overlooked in conservation efforts, yet they’re home to countless small but vital green spaces. From roadside plantings to school gardens, these urban oases act as stepping stones, helping monarchs navigate their long and treacherous migrations.
Her research reveals that when these spaces are planted with native species like milkweed, they become lifelines for monarch populations, providing essential resources that help them survive and reproduce.

A monarch butterfly feeds on a 'Kilimanjaro White' Marigold planted in a container on a fourth-floor balcony garden on Chicago's north side. Photo credit: James Mastaler.

A Shared Mission: Nurturing Wild Spaces in Urban Landscapes

As Karen and I talked, I couldn’t help but reflect on how her work resonates with the values at the heart of what I’m trying to do with Pistils & Pollen. Whether it’s through balcony gardens or backyard pollinator patches, our community is built on the belief that even small actions can make a big impact.

Karen emphasized how urban conservation is about more than just saving monarchs; it’s about fostering a sense of connection. When we plant milkweed or wildflowers, we’re not just creating habitats—we’re inviting life into our urban spaces. We’re building a bridge between people and nature, a connection that reminds us of the larger web of life we’re all part of.

Check out my interview with Aster Hasle for more on Urban Monarch Conservation in Chicago.

How You Can Help: Creating Monarch-Friendly Spaces

One of the things I love about Karen’s work is how approachable it is. You don’t need a sprawling yard to support monarchs; even a single container of milkweed on a balcony can make a difference. Here are a few ways you can get started:

1. Plant Native Milkweed: Varieties like swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) and butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) are perfect for urban spaces.

2. Add Nectar Plants: Include native wildflowers like black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) and bee balm (Monarda didyma) to provide food for adult monarchs.

3. Participate in Community Science: Join programs like Monarch Watch or Journey North to track monarch activity in your area.

4. Advocate for Green Spaces: Work with local communities to preserve and expand urban habitats for pollinators.

Karen’s research is a powerful reminder that conservation starts at home—or on your balcony, as the case may be.

Interested in a heartwarming story from my local community garden? Check out this reflection on Saving Monarchs: Garden Tips from a Citizen Scientist.

Reflections on the Power of Urban Green Spaces

Spending time with Karen at the herbarium left me inspired and hopeful. Our conversation wasn’t just about monarchs—it was about what’s possible when we decide to make space for the wild in our lives. Urban habitats aren’t just for pollinators; they’re for people, too. They provide moments of calm, beauty, and connection in an often chaotic world.

At Pistils & Pollen, I often talk about how plants have the power to transform our spaces and our lives. Karen’s work embodies this truth, showing how even the smallest green space can become a sanctuary. Together, we can create cities that are not only livable but thriving with life—places where both people and pollinators can find a home.

Watch the Video

For a closer look at my conversation with Karen and her research, check out the video below. Together, we explore the fascinating intersection of urban gardening and monarch conservation.



With joy and hope,

James 🌿