Ian A Nelson

A cluster of orange and black monarch butterflies gathered on tree branches, with the text "Western Monarch Butterflies: Protecting Our Pollinators" overlaid in the center.

Western Monarch Butterflies
Protecting our Pollinators, a documentary

As one of the most iconic species in North America, the monarch butterflies’ population decline signals the overall health of our ecosystem. The western monarch population migrates between their breeding areas west of the Rocky Mountains and the California coast. Conservationists and dedicated community members are working hard to protect, restore, and enhance habitats for monarchs, which has a cascading effect, benefiting other native pollinators.

Upcoming Screenings:

September 12, 2025: Pepperwood Preserve
September 27, 2025: Laguna de Santa Rosa

About Ian

Ian Anthony Nelson is a filmmaker from Santa Rosa, California. A lifelong passion of observing and learning about wildlife in their natural habitats has shaped his work. Ian has collaborated with organizations such as Pepperwood Foundation, American Bird Conservancy, Kaua’i Endangered Seabird Recovery Project, Pacific Rim Conservation, Bay Nature, Golden Gate Audubon Society, and others on various films. His partnerships with environmental and wildlife organizations have helped raise global awareness of the diverse ecosystems and species on Earth and highlight efforts to protect and preserve the environment.

Visit his website at IanANelson.com

  • A monarch butterfly with orange and black wings feeds on the bright yellow center of an orange flower, set against a soft blue sky background.
  • A monarch butterfly hangs from a green twig next to its empty chrysalis, its wings orange with black and white spots, just emerged from metamorphosis.
  • Three people stand on a garden walkway behind tall orange flowers and lush greenery, with trees and blue sky in the background.
  • A person with a backpack and green cap is photographing wildflowers and plants with a large camera lens at an outdoor event, with tents and trees in the background.
  • A person in a green cap films orange flowers with a professional camera at an outdoor market, with tents, people, and trees in the background under a sunny sky.
  • Dozens of orange and black monarch butterflies rest on the green branches of a coniferous tree, surrounded by sunlight and soft-focus greenery in the background.