LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Agriculture Department is offering $100,000 in grants to help Nebraska farmers create habitat for monarch butterflies.

Nebraska farmers and ranchers have until March 18 to apply for funding.

State Wildlife Biologist Ritch Nelson says monarch butterflies are becoming less common in Nebraska because their total population has declined significantly over the past 20 years.

The butterflies, like honey bees, play an important role in nature of helping pollinate plants.

In addition to the grants, experts will advise farmers on planting milkweed and nectar-rich plans in buffer areas between fields or around wetlands and in pastures.