When I stepped into the Field Museum’s herbarium with Aster Hasle, Lead Conservation Ecologist at the Keller Science Action Center, I felt a rush of awe and gratitude. We were standing in a space that houses the stories of thousands of plant specimens, each one pressed and cataloged, each one playing a part in the grand narrative of our planet's ecology.

This feeling of connection—to plants, to pollinators, to the urban landscape around us—is one I carry deeply, and seeing how Aster brings this passion into their conservation work left me inspired.

Aster Hasle and James Mastaler in the Field Museum's Herbarium, with specimens from the collection (some dating back to the 1800s).

Connecting Plants to People in Urban Spaces

The Field Museum’s herbarium is a botanical treasure trove, with shelves full of pressed and preserved plants from all over the world. Yet, during my visit, it was the local plants that captured my attention the most. Aster shared a special section of Illinois native species, including milkweed—the key to supporting the monarch butterfly population. This simple yet powerful plant serves as the primary host for monarch caterpillars, and it has a ripple effect in sustaining our ecosystem.

Aster's recent research has shown how urban environments can be transformed into life-giving spaces for monarchs. They explained that planting milkweed and other pollinator-friendly species isn’t limited to those with sprawling backyards. Even a small collection of pots on a balcony can make a meaningful impact. This concept aligns perfectly with the ethos that we all have the power to make a difference in the world, one plant at a time.

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

A Shared Mission of Stewardship and Sustainability

Listening to Aster talk about their work, I felt a powerful sense of shared purpose. In our plant community, I’ve always endeavored to celebrate the ways plants connect us—to each other, to our urban ecosystems, and to the earth itself. Aster's research reveals how these same values are being lived out in the real world, right now, by showing that urban dwellers can contribute meaningfully to monarch conservation simply by being thoughtful about what they plant. It’s a vision of sustainable, community-driven care, where everyone has a role to play.

A monarch butterfly rests on a milkweed plant in Edgewater, a denser urban neighborhood on Chicago's north side. Photo credit: Aster Hasle

Community science has become an important part of Aster's conservation work. They described how everyday Chicagoans have become citizen scientists, monitoring milkweed patches in backyards, parks, and even containers. By tracking monarch eggs and caterpillars, these volunteers contribute to a larger body of research that informs conservation strategies. It's a perfect example of how small actions add up to something transformative—something I strive to encourage in our plant care community.

Check out my interview with Karen Klinger for more on how cities can help save monarch butterflies.

The Power of Planting Milkweed: Small Actions, Big Impact

As we toured specimens in the herbarium’s collection, surrounded by century-old specimens that tell the story of the Midwest’s native flora, I was reminded of the importance of creating spaces where life can thrive. Monarchs, with their extraordinary migrations and delicate beauty, are a symbol of resilience. And they remind us of the interconnectedness of all living things. Planting milkweed is a simple act, but it has profound effects, supporting not just monarchs but a host of other pollinators.

Aster’s work illustrates this beautifully. They shared data showing that monarch butterflies are more likely to find suitable habitats in urban areas than previously thought, as long as they have access to native milkweed. It's strong evidence that even small, fragmented habitats can provide crucial resources for wildlife.

A 5th instar monarch caterpillar munches on a Milkweed leaf. Photo credit: Maryanne Natarajan, a participant in one of the Field Museum's community science programs.

Bringing Conservation Home: How You Can Help

So, what can we do? Aster's research—and my visit to the Field Museum—left me inspired to make my own space more pollinator-friendly. If you have room for just one plant, consider making it milkweed. For those of us with container gardens or balcony setups, swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) and butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) are fantastic, eye-catching options that fit well in urban environments. And if you have a larger area to work with, think about adding a patch of common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) to create a more extensive habitat.

Remember, every bit of green space counts. By planting native species, you’re contributing to a mosaic of habitats that support not just monarchs but a wide variety of pollinators essential for a healthy ecosystem.

A monarch butterfly and other pollinators among the flowers on Chicago's Museum Campus. Photo credit: Robb Telfer.

Closing Reflections: Hope for a Greener Future

My time with Aster at the Field Museum was more than just an educational experience; it was a deeply personal reminder of the values that drive our community. Together, we’re all working toward a more livable, sustainable world—one milkweed plant, one balcony garden, one act of stewardship at a time.

For a deeper look at Aster's research and the magic of the herbarium, be sure to check out the video we created. I hope it fills you with the same sense of hope and excitement that I felt.

With joy and gratitude for this shared journey,

James 🌿