Thanks for your interest in monarchs and for contributing to our understanding of these incredible insects!
Why are monarchs great subjects for citizen science? First, many people working together can contribute significantly to our collective understanding and conservation of this insect. Second, monarchs are easy to observe and identify and have an iconic status as a symbol of the natural world and our connections to it. Finally, the MLMP is fun for everyone!
Looking to monitor with kids? Check out our tips here!
Virtual MLMP Training Workshops
The MLMP team from MJV lead virtual one-day trainings each year on how to collect data that contributes to our knowledge about the monarch population. Participants learn about monarch biology, monitoring procedures, and data entry protocols and are able to ask monarch biologists their questions about monarchs and monitoring.
Live virtual MLMP training sessions are typically held in the spring and early summer each year. Our 2026 dates for live virtual training are:
Northern Region: May 12, 2026
East of the Continental Divide and north: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin, and all Canadian provinces
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with a 1-hour break at Noon, Central Time
The above geographic areas are approximate based on the timing of the monarch migration and milkweed emergence. These training sessions focus on specific points related to these regions, but if a different date works better for your time or schedule, feel free to choose that date! A recording of the live training will be available.
Can't make the last live virtual MLMP training session?
We have two additional training options you may choose through the Monarch NECTAR Hub.
Instructor-supported, Self-paced Course: May 18 - June 7, 2026
Designed for working adults, this 3-week training blends flexible, self-paced learning with optional live office hours. You’ll spend approximately 3 hours engaging with instructors and fellow participants through discussion boards and live Zoom sessions.
Optional Live Sessions on May 27 and June 3, 6:00-7:00 PM, Central Time
Self-paced Course: Anytime
The Monarch Larva Monitoring Project asynchronous training course teaches registrants all the details about monarch biology and MLMP monitoring. Participants take the course at their own pace and on a self-determined schedule; registrants can also ask monarch biologists questions about monarchs and monitoring in a monthly live Q&A session.
Reach out to info@mlmp.org if you have any questions about these training workshops. If cost is a barrier to your participation, and you would like to request financial support, please email learn@monarchjointventure.org
After Completion
- Share feedback about the MLMP online training to info@mlmp.org.
- Create a Certificate of Completion for yourself with your name and the date.
- If you’d like a series of review training videos, check out these resources.
In-Person Training Sessions
You can attend a training session given by a trainer in your region. See the map of upcoming training sessions below. If there is not an MLMP training session scheduled for your area, you can still get started with the Monarch NECTAR Hub MLMP course or contact us at info@mlmp.org to watch a recording of an online training workshop tailored to your region. Note that since these online training workshops cost participants $50 to attend, there is a suggested $20 donation to gain access to these recordings.
Upcoming Training Sessions
Search for a Trainer (points) or upcoming Training Session (stars) near you. Click on the icon for more information. CLICK HERE for larger map.
Attention Trainers!
Are you an instructor offering an MLMP training event this season? Send us details about your training using this form and we will add it to the map!
Interested in becoming a trainer?
- Visit our Become an MLMP Trainer page to learn how to become a trainer.
- Announce an MLMP Training Session on our For Trainers Resource page to advertise a training session.
- Email info@mlmp.org to add or remove yourself as a Trainer on this map.