📷 Monarch Butterfly during migration in Utah | Clint Wirick/USFWS
As spring transitions to summer, one of nature’s most captivating spectacles begins – the migration of the Monarch Butterfly. In honor of Endangered Species Day on Friday, May 17th, our Refuges For Recovery campaign spotlights the Monarch Butterfly, a species whose remarkable journey and delicate beauty underscore the urgency of conservation efforts in the National Wildlife Refuge System, a candidate species of the Endangered Species Act.
Monarch Butterflies cluster in Monterey cypress while overwintering in California | Joanna Gilkeson/USFWS
The Monarch Butterfly Story
The Monarch Butterfly's migration is a marvel of nature, with these delicate creatures traveling up to 3,000 miles from Canada to Mexico. This journey spans multiple generations, with each butterfly playing a crucial role in the continuation of the species. However, their populations have significantly declined due to habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide use. The destruction of milkweed plants, essential for Monarch Caterpillars, and the deforestation of their overwintering sites in Mexico further endanger their survival. Despite not being federally listed as an endangered or threatened species, the alarming drop in their population affirms their candidate species status and highlights the need for urgent conservation actions. The protection and restoration of their habitats are more important than ever.
Monarch Butterfly migration map | USFWS
Life Cycle of the Monarch Butterfly
The Monarch Butterfly's life cycle consists of four stages:
Egg: Female Monarchs lay their eggs on milkweed plants. These eggs hatch in about four days.
Larva (Caterpillar): The larvae feed exclusively on milkweed, growing rapidly and molting several times over two weeks.
Pupa (Chrysalis): The caterpillar forms a chrysalis, undergoing metamorphosis over 10-14 days.
Adult: An adult butterfly emerges, ready to start the cycle anew and continue the migration journey.
Critical National Wildlife Refuges For Monarchs
Monarch Butterfly waystation at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, IA | Joanna Gilkeson/USFWS
National Wildlife Refuges are critical sanctuaries for the Monarch Butterfly, offering protected environments where these butterflies can thrive. These refuges provide safe breeding grounds and essential food sources, such as milkweed and nectar plants, which are vital for their survival. Some key national wildlife refuges supporting Monarchs during their migration include:
Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge in California: This refuge offers important habitat for Monarchs during their migration, providing them with necessary resources to continue their journey.
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge in Florida: This refuge is the last stop for thousands of migrating Monarchs before they embark on their journey over the Gulf of Mexico, making it a critical refueling site.
Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Kansas: Monarchs use this refuge during their spring and fall migrations, feeding on wildflowers such as asters and goldenrod that bloom throughout the refuge.
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Iowa: This refuge’s tallgrass prairie restoration project provides an essential breeding ground for Monarchs, supporting large populations year-round.
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Minnesota: As Monarchs migrate north, this refuge offers them a vital stopover with abundant milkweed and nectar plants, essential for their survival and reproduction.
Through collaborative efforts, national wildlife refuges work to:
Tagged wintering Monarch Butterfly | Mara Koenig/USFWS
Restore Native Vegetation: At Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, extensive prairie restoration projects have reintroduced milkweed and other native plants, creating a thriving habitat for Monarchs.
Monitor Populations: At Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, citizen scientists and refuge staff participate in tagging and monitoring programs to track Monarch populations and migration patterns, providing crucial data for conservation strategies.
Educate the Public: St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge hosts annual Monarch Butterfly festivals, educating visitors about the importance of Monarchs, their migration, and how to create Monarch-friendly habitats at home.
How You Can Help Monarchs
You can make a significant impact right in your own backyard by creating a welcoming environment for Monarch Butterflies. Here's how:
Monarch Butterfly mural in Mexico near overwintering habitat | USFWS
Plant Native Milkweed: Monarch Butterflies rely exclusively on milkweed plants for laying their eggs and as food for their caterpillars. Plant native milkweed species in your garden to provide essential host plants for Monarchs.
Provide Nectar Sources: Plant a variety of flowers that bloom at different times of the year to ensure a constant nectar supply for adult Monarchs. This will support them throughout their entire lifecycle.
Choose Native Plants: Opt for native plants that provide both nectar and host options for Monarch Butterflies. Native plants are adapted to the local environment and support native wildlife better than exotic species.
Leave Leaf Litter: Resist the urge to tidy up too much in your garden. Leaving some leaf litter provides shelter for Monarch eggs and caterpillars, as well as beneficial insects.
Avoid Pesticides & Herbicides: Chemical pesticides and herbicides can harm Monarch Butterflies and other beneficial insects. Opt for natural pest control methods or tolerance for some plant damage to protect these valuable creatures.
The Monarch Butterfly Migration Shanty is an interactive art experience that uses a modified ice fishing house, which is part of the 2018 Art Shanty Village on Lake Harriet in Minneapolis. Near Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge | Mara Koenig/USFWS
Our Mission
The latest feature for our Refuges For Recovery campaign is dedicated to raising awareness and support for the conservation of the Monarch Butterfly. By highlighting the importance of national wildlife refuges and ongoing conservation efforts, we strive to ensure that these magnificent pollinators continue to grace our skies for generations to come. The National Wildlife Refuge Association works tirelessly to protect, promote, and enhance America's National Wildlife Refuge System for the benefit of all wildlife species and people alike.
Passing the Monarch Butterfly | Mara Koenig/USFWS
The story of the Monarch Butterfly is a poignant reminder of the intricate connections within our ecosystem. Each flutter of their wings signifies hope and the potential for renewal. This year, join us in celebrating Endangered Species Day by learning more about the Monarch Butterfly and the critical conservation work being done within national wildlife refuges to ensure their survival. Stay tuned for updates and ways to support our Refuges For Recovery campaign.