Chery Brummett, a photographer, conservationist, and Texas Master Naturalist, actively contributes to monarch butterfly conservation through citizen science initiatives. Witnessing the lack of habitat for the monarch migration during the butterfly tagging season, Chery co- founded the Rio Grande Valley Pollinator Project with like-minded individuals to address habitat loss concerns. The project has heightened pollinator awareness, advocated for native-plant ecosystems, engaged in community outreach, and rescued/relocated Zizotes Milkweed in the RGV. Securing a grant from Monarch Watch, they distributed milkweed plugs across various locations across the valley. They continue to spread awareness, engage in outreach events, and promote conservation
The Rio Grande Valley Pollinator Project’s mission is to raise awareness across the Rio Grande Valley of pollinators and their need for sustainable, native plant food sources and ecosystems so they can thrive and multiply. Some of our activities have included successful grants from Monarch Watch for native milkweed; assisting efforts in city gardens, working with city officials to bring more awareness about the use of native plants; relocation of native Zizote milkweed and plants from areas designated for development, to community gardens in the same area; connecting residents with native plant information and sources.