b'BAT SURVEY The bat population at our Russell Mandel preserve seems to be growing, whichis a great sign as some bat populations have declined over 90% in recent years. MONARCH WATCH Monarch butterflies were listed as an endangered species this year due to their declining populations. Through the Community Science Program called Monarch Watch, Heritage Conservancy staff and volunteers were able to tag 14 individual butterflies on their migration back to Mexico. These tagged butterflies will help scientists better understand their migration routes and success as they head to Mexico each fall. In addition to creating pollinator gardens, Heritage Conservancy helped monarch butterflies this year by donating over 100 milkweed plantsto local community members.12'