The western migratory monarch population collapsed to less than 2,000 overwintering butterflies in the winter of 2020-21. This rapid and steep decline emphasized the need to quickly strengthen existing conservation efforts by leveraging our collective resources to protect this iconic species. In response, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife is working with a diverse array of partners, including members of the public, non-profits, and agencies, to restore key habitat and develop educational materials in an effort to support Monarch recovery.

As the Pollinator Coordinator for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Dr. Sardinas works with multiple stakeholders to conserve pollinator species throughout the state. She previously coordinated statewide monarch conservation efforts with Resource Conservation Districts and developed on-farm habitat enhancements as the West Coast Pollinator Specialist with the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. Her doctoral research at UC Berkeley focused on native bee nesting biology within agricultural landscapes and the contribution of wild bees to crop pollination.