The Monarch Monitoring Project is a long-term study on monarch migration through Cape May, NJ. It is a part of the New Jersey Audubon Research Department, and closely affiliated with the Cape May Bird Observatory.

Saturday, July 21, 2018

Farewell to Dr. Lincoln Brower


We are full of sadness and sorrow here in Cape May with news of the passing of Dr. Lincoln Brower, who served as Scientific Advisor to the Monarch Monitoring Project from the very start.  Our project began in 1990, when Dick Walton and Dr. Brower began to develop protocols for the research work that continues today, certainly one of the longest continuous quantitative studies of a migratory insect that has ever been conducted.  In the fall of 2000 Dr. Brower came to Cape May, spending time in the field with our team and giving presentations on monarch biology and conservation.  He remained keenly enthusiastic about our work throughout the years.

Monarch enthusiasts all around the world share our sorrow, for Dr. Brower's impacts were indeed global.  We know of no other individual who has had as much impact on our understanding of the biology of monarch butterflies, nor of any individual who has done as much for conservation of monarchs and their habitat.

Dr. Brower finished his career working at Sweet Briar College, in Virginia, and from that small college comes this wonderful tribute and remembrance: http://sbc.edu/news/renowned-monarch-butterfly-expert-lincoln-brower-dies-but-his-legacy-lives-on/.

Monarchs at Cerro Pelón, Mexico

Our field season in 2018 will be dedicated to the memory of Dr. Brower; indeed, our work would have never begun without his wisdom, counsel, and guidance.