The Wonder of Monarch Migration
Each fall, hundreds of millions of monarch butterflies migrate from the United States and Canada to “overwintering” areas in Mexico and California where they wait out the winter until conditions favor a return flight in the spring. The monarch migration is truly one of the world’s most beautiful and fascinating natural wonders and we are helping to bring that experience to our own backyard.
What is a Waystation?
Monarch waystations are places that provide resources necessary for monarch butterflies to produce successive generations and sustain their migration. One can think of this as a “rest stop” for the Monarch Butterflies on their migration journey.
Concerns for the Monarch Butterflies
Milkweeds and nectar sources are declining due to development and the widespread use of herbicides in croplands, pastures and roadsides. Because 90% of all milkweed/monarch habitats occur within the agricultural landscape, farm practices have the potential to strongly influence monarch populations.
Ways You Can Help
No matter who you are or where you live, you can make a difference and help conserve the monarch butterfly. From a small pot on your front steps to a backyard pollinator garden, there are many ways individuals can provide essential habitat for the monarchs.
- How to build a pollinator garden : Learn how to support monarch habitat
- Study Monarchs – Citizen Science Opportunities : Help scientists track monarchs
- Share Information : Educate others about the plight of monarchs