Today, on the autumnal equinox, we are witnessing an ancient ritual. The migrations of the monarch butterflies. These marvels of life make a journey to a place they have never been before, but are destined to seek, as their ancestors have for millenia.

Many of you have read in last week's Science Times of the devastation to the forests in and around the sanctuaries of the butterflies in Mexico. One of the many lessons that I have learned in the thirty years I have been involved with butterflies is to never give up hope. And there is hope for the monarchs and for the indigenous people that live in surrounding areas.

And that hope lies in a special organization, The Michoacan Reforestation Fund, a privately funded group of dedicated individuals who have chosen to make a difference.

In order to protect the monarchs, the needs of the indigenous people who live near the sanctuaries must be addressed. The Michoacan Reforestation Fund has been making it possible for the La Cruz Habitat Protection Project to provide new, fresh and vigorous seedlings to the local people to plant in the overwintering area around the monarch sanctuaries. In a few years time, the mountain people can start harvesting some of these trees. In the first year of the program, 1996, 7200 seedlings were planted. As of this moment 350,000 seedlings have been planted.

We at the Michoacan Reforestation Fund want to guarantee that all the monarchs can continue their miraculous herculean journey to the ancient mountains of Mexico, where they hibernate for the winter, where they mate and the valiant fertile females fly north to lay their eggs and continue the cycle of life once again.

Poverty is an ecological disaster. Through the Michoacan Reforestation Fund and the La Cruz Habitat Protection Project, the mountain people are being offered the dignity of being economically self sufficient and the sacred ground of the monarchs will be protected.

Although our mission is reforestation of the Monarch Butterfly Overwintering Area, we collaborate with other organizations to further monarch conservation and education. Last year, for example, we provided logistical support to Monarch Watch for their Adopt A Classroom project in which educational materials were delivered to schools in Michoacan.

Everyone can play a role in making this new paradigm work. You can make a difference and help. For more information and/or to donate money to the Michoacan Reforestation Fund, please see Pilar, standing by the information table. I will be joining her shortly to answer any questions. For every dollar donated, 2 healthy seedlings can be planted. We can all make a difference and create a positive butterfly effect that will be felt around the world.