The Southern Oregon Monarch Advocates (SOMA) spearheaded the concept and seed money to form the new non-profit entity, Western Monarch Advocates, bringing together a new fledgling board from across the west to plan the first Summit.

They continue to play a leading role in guiding WMA to carry out the mission of bringing together  “Caring People from Different Areas and Different Groups with the Same Goal:  Save Our Western Monarchs!”

The Deschutes Land Trust in Central Oregon heard about the plans early on for this regional gathering and recognized the “big picture” potential for outreach and restoration for our pollinators.

They joined the team right away, helped raise funds to make the 2020 Summit a reality, and continue to sponsor WMA as part of their multi-year monarch conservation plan. They are demonstrating their belief that effective land stewardship goes well beyond state lines.  Thank you Deschutes Land Trust!

The Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) released a 50-year Western Monarch Butterfly Conservation Plan in January 2019.  But like any good plan, it cannot simply be placed up on a shelf; it must be acted upon!

WAFWA saw the 2020 Summit as a timely “next step” in getting the word out and truly implementing practices that will help to restore our western monarchs throughout the entire migration corridor.  They have pitched in to help make it happen!