the complete guide to

monarchs

Monarch butterflies are some of the most recognizable insects in North America, known for their bright orange wings patterned with black and white. Even though they look delicate, monarchs are incredible travelers. Every year, millions of them migrate thousands of miles—from the northern United States and Canada all the way to Mexico or coastal California—to escape the cold and survive the winter. Their journey is one of the longest and most amazing migrations of any insect on Earth.

Monarchs rely on milkweed plants to survive, and changes in our environment have made their lives harder. By learning about these butterflies and the challenges they face, we can all play a part in protecting them. Whether you're a lifelong nature lover or just discovering these beautiful creatures, this site will guide you through their world and show how simple actions can help keep monarchs thriving for generations to come.

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.

federal actions

local government actions

research programs

way stations

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.