How to Contribute

Western Monarch Thanksgiving Count:

From November to January, volunteers observe numbers and milkweed availability in California overwintering sites.
Visit westernmonarchcount.org to get involved.

Western Monarch Milkweed Mapper:

Online or via an approved mobile application. Monarch migratory routes on the West coast stretch from Southern California to Washington State. Highest priority is in early spring.
Visit monarchmilkweedmapper.org to get involved

2 monarchs perched

conservation

efforts

On July 20, 2022, the International Union for Conservation of Nature added the migratory monarch butterfly (the subspecies common in North America) to its red list as an endangered species. However, a petition in 2023 resulted in its status being changed to "vulnerable".

The monarch butterfly is not listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora or specifically protected under federal laws in the United States.

Although the numbers of breeding monarchs in eastern North America have not decreased, reports of declining numbers of overwintering butterflies have inspired efforts to conserve the species.

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federal actions

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local government actions

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research programs

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way stations

monarch butterfly on hand

human

interaction

Humans interact with monarchs when rearing them in captivity, which has become increasingly popular. While risks occur in this controversial activity, captive rearing has many positive aspects. Homeowners are increasingly establishing butterfly gardens; monarchs can be attracted by cultivating a butterfly garden with specific milkweed species and nectar plants.

Whether you are a land owner, educator, business, or activist - you can help by valuing and protecting Milkweed along the Monarch's migration route. By making a donation to programs, you can help aid research, planting, and cultivating of additional habitats.