When you visit our native gardens in Sycamore Grove and see a milkweed plant, you may also spy a beautiful monarch butterfly! 

More than an Icon 

With striking orange and black wings, the monarch is not only one of the most identifiable butterflies in the world but also one of the most recognizable insects. This gorgeous pollinator has captivated scientists and nature lovers for many years.  

Importance of Milkweed for Monarch Metamorphosis 

Like all butterflies and many insects, monarch butterflies undergo metamorphosis, a process in which their physical body structure changes in stages: egg, larva, pupa, and then adult. For the monarch, the narrow-leaf milkweed is essential for reproduction. Milkweed is the only plant on which monarchs lay their eggs and the only food source for monarch caterpillars. Milkweed plants contain toxins that make monarchs distasteful to predators. 

Long Distance Travellers: Super Generations 

Monarch butterflies have the remarkable ability to migrate thousands of miles from Canada and the northern United States all the way to the Oyamel Forest in central Mexico. The total distance of this 2-month-long journey can span over 3,000 miles, requiring multiple generations to complete. The monarchs that complete the final part of the trip to Mexico are part of what is called the "super generation," a group of butterflies that live about eight times longer than your average monarch butterfly, which allows them to make the round trip journey back to the northern regions of the U.S and Canada. This ability to navigate such astonishing distances remains a mystery to scientists and experts. 

Help Monarchs Thrive in the Tri-Valley 

Due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change, monarch populations have been steadily declining over the past few years. The scarcity of milkweed plants is a major contributor to declining populations, prompting more substantial habitat restoration efforts. Monarchs play a vital role in pollination and are indicator species, meaning their health and population numbers are a direct representation of the environment and reflect broader environmental conditions. Their decline signals a larger problem that could affect other species in the environment. 

You can help Monarch butterflies by planting native milkweeds and nectar plants such as Common Yarrow, Buckeye tree, Coyote Bush, Narrow-leaf mule ear, Pacific Aster, and Brodiaea in your garden to provide food and shelter for monarch caterpillars and adults. Visit calscape.org and search within your zip code to learn which type of milkweed plants are native to your local region. Avoid using pesticides in your lawns and gardens as these are very harmful to our pollinator friends. And don't forget to educate your friends and family on the importance of our Monarch butterfly friends. 

Learn More When You Visit Sycamore Grove 

Pick up a monarch butterfly leaflet at the Wetmore Native Garden

Stop by the Nature Center to talk to a ranger or docent

Attend Ranger Doug'sDoug's free California Butterflies program on Sunday, June 22nd at 2:00 pm at the Ranger Station Picnic Area (5035 Arroyo Rd).

REGISTER HERE