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  • #GivingTuesday: Western Monarch Butterfly

    … monarchs overwintered along the Pacific coast in California and Baja, Mexico. In the 1980s,  an estimated 4.5 million butterflies migrated to the coast annually. But by the mid-2010s, the population declined to 200-300 thousand butterflies. And in both 2018 and 2019, volunteers counted under 30,000 monarchs — less than 1% of the population’s … of the Rockies migrate to the coast of central and southern California. In October, as colder weather approaches, the butterflies instinctively know they must fly south to escape the freezing temperatures. Some have to fly over 1,000 miles. …

  • Parkside Chats

    …   Insider Speaker Series: An Ideal Home for Monarchs    The western monarch is arguably one of the most recognizable butterflies in California.     Hundreds of thousands of monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) rely on the forested groves of the Pacific coast stretching from Mendocino County, California to Baja to overwinter. In the 1980s, an estimated 4.5 million butterflies migrated to the coast annually. However, by the mid-2010s, the population declined to 200-300 …

  • January Volunteer Recap: A great start to the New Year!

    … Field State Beach to protect wildlife and nature. We had 137 volunteers show their support to overwintering monarch butterflies by removing 600 square feet of invasive species and planting 3,519 native plants . This critical work … Field State Beach to protect wildlife and nature. We had 137 volunteers show their support to overwintering monarch butterflies by removing 600 square feet of invasive species and planting 3,519 native plants . This critical work …

  • Looking back on 2022

    … Stay tuned!   PROTECTING WILDLIFE AND NATURE  California state parks are crucial winter habitats for western monarch butterflies. In recent years, annual counts of this well-loved and iconic pollinator have faced plummeting populations due to climate change, habitat loss, and other threats like pesticides. In the 1980s, an estimated 4.5 million butterflies migrated to the coast annually. In 2020, volunteers counted less than 2,000 monarchs — that's less than 0.01% … legislation that would have limited neonicotinoid pesticides, which are harmful to pollinators like bees and butterflies. Unfortunately, the bill was vetoed by Governor Newsom, who cited ongoing regulation updates by the state …

  • Restoring Monarch Groves in the Wake of California’s Extreme Storms

    … December 5, 2024 By Emily Doyle, PhD | Program Manager, Climate Resilience  Background   Every winter, western monarch butterflies return to the California coast to take shelter in overwintering groves. These unique sites provide the … more about the study’s findings and how it will help support climate-resilient overwintering groves.    Western monarch butterflies at Natural Bridges State Beach   Extreme storms caused extensive tree damage at both sites   Winter storms in …

  • Preserving California’s Extraordinary Biodiversity: 30x30

    … and restoring new parklands. Examples of the biodiverse species residing in California, such as, western monarch butterflies, giant sequoia redwoods, northern elephant seals, and the threatened California red-legged frog. California …

  • California State Park Resolutions for 2024

    … and beyond. We have so many unique species that depend on our state parks — giant sequoias, Joshua trees, and monarch butterflies to name just a few! When we protect our parks, we protect the plants and animals that call them home. Thank …

  • Safeguard iconic California species this Giving Parksday

    … most extraordinary species, including the stoic Joshua trees of Southern California and the colorful western monarch butterflies that overwinter in our state parks.    Preserving biodiversity: The opportunity and the obstacles   With over … that restore habitats, remove invasive species, and protect iconic California species such as:   Western monarch butterflies   We’re restoring vital overwintering sites along California’s coast, giving monarchs a place to …

  • Volunteer for the Monarchs

    … Volunteer for the Monarchs Help protect important habitat that supports migrating and overwintering monarch butterflies at Natural Bridges State Park and Lighthouse Field State Beach. Volunteers will help remove invasive plants … State Beach Saturday, December 11, 2021 Register Saturday, January 15, 2022 Register … Protect overwintering monarch butterflies.  … Volunteer for the Monarchs …

  • Take Your Valentine to a State Park

    … fast! Head to Natural Bridges State Beach for the annual Beach Migration Festival -- a full-day celebration of whales, butterflies, birds and the many creatures that travel. Enjoy a special “Romance in the Redwoods” guided walk at Big Basin … fast! Head to Natural Bridges State Beach for the annual Beach Migration Festival -- a full-day celebration of whales, butterflies, birds and the many creatures that travel. Enjoy a special “Romance in the Redwoods” guided walk at Big Basin …