EMPORIA (KSNT) - The David Traylor Zoo is taking a hands-on role to the monarch butterfly migration that the community can enjoy. The David Traylor Zoo in Emporia posted on social media that it is working closely to monitor the monarch butterfly migration for the 18th year in a row. For this migration season, the zoo has tagged almost 65 monarch butterflies. According to the David Traylor Zoo of Emporia Director Brenda Young, the monarch butterfly population is decreasing due to a few factors: loss of habitat, loss of food source, climate change and the use of pesticides. The zoo makes sure to tag the butterflies on the back wing in an area that doesn't interfere with its ability to fly. Young told 27 News get a better understanding of how the species lives, and how the zoo can protect them. "It is important because it helps scientists understand the routes, timing and destinations of their migration," Young said. "It also helps scientists identify crucial habits, such as breeding grounds, roosting sites and overwintering locations." Manhattan will soon break ground on nearly 80-acre park The zoo works with Monarch Watch to tag the butterflies, and has a way for the community to get involved in the process. "The program uses unique codes on each tag to associate the geographic location of the tag with any subsequent recapture. It involves the public in scientific research, which can help raise awareness and foster a connection between people and nature." Statement from David Traylor Zoo of Emporia Director Brenda Young Young said if community members would like to help the monarch butterfly population locally, you can contact the David Traylor Zoo to participate in a tagging event. You can also plant milkweed in your garden or around your property. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.