Search | Cal Parks

  • As Annual Western Monarch Butterfly Count Gets Underway, New Analysis Highlights Importance of California State Parks for Species

    … state parks.  “California State Parks is the single largest land manager of overwintering groves for western monarch butterflies,” said  Rachel Norton, Executive Director of California State Parks Foundation . “Monarch butterflies depend on these groves for their survival. Our state parks have a key role to play in the preservation of this … Lobos State Natural Reserve - three of the most important overwintering sites in the state - hosted around 50% of all butterflies. Last year, over 22% of western monarch butterflies were spotted in state parks. California State Parks …

  • Californians Urged to Observe and Report Monarch Butterfly Sightings

    … California State Parks Foundation is asking the public to help observe and report sightings of western monarch butterflies. California Biodiversity Day is celebrated from September 6th to 14th. The data from these observations will help scientists understand where these butterflies are at different times of the year and will also help inform the upcoming 29th annual  Western Monarch Count … . “Californians have a key role to play in the preservation of this species, from helping scientists track where the butterflies are located to advocating for the protection of their habitat. We’re encouraging Californians to get involved …

  • Be a Community Scientist: Join the Western Monarch Count!

    … Grove, Pismo State Beach | Photo courtesy of Yiming Chen. It's that magical time of year again—western monarch butterflies are returning to California!    Every year in the late fall, these brilliant flyers end their annual migration … need to survive the season — including shelter from the cold, dappled sunlight, and ample nectar sources — before the butterflies disperse in the spring.   Western monarch butterflies used to number in the millions. However, their population has plummeted in recent decades due to habitat loss, …

  • New Analysis: The Impact of Climate Change on the Western Monarch Butterfly

    … Program Manager, Climate Resilience  The monarch butterfly is one of North America’s most recognizable and charismatic butterflies, known for its vibrant orange and black wings and extraordinary annual migration. Every year, western monarch butterflies (the subspecies found west of the Rocky Mountains) travel thousands of miles — from Baja California to the … Field, Natural Bridges, and Point Lobos alone hosted around 50% of all monarchs. Last year, over 22% of western monarch butterflies were spotted in state parks. With the 2024 monarch count now underway, California State Parks Foundation is …

  • PROTECTING THE WESTERN MONARCH BUTTERFLY

    … butterfly habitat. California State Parks Foundation takes a comprehensive approach to  protecting western monarch butterflies  by funding projects that protect key habitats, organizing  volunteer workdays , supporting  legislation  to … state parks through the 2023 Western Monarch Butterfly Conservation Grant Round.  The population of western monarch butterflies has  significantly declined  in the past two decades. Those overwintering along the California coast have fallen from an estimated 4.5 million butterflies in the 1980s to only 1,899 in 2020. The past two years have shown an encouraging population rebound, but …

  • Newsroom

    … California State Parks Foundation is asking the public to help observe and report sightings of western monarch butterflies. California Biodiversity Day is celebrated from September 6th to 14th. The data from these observations will help scientists understand where these butterflies are at different times of the year and will also help inform the upcoming 29th annual  Western Monarch Count … You Live” – Celebrate Fourth Annual California State Parks Week June 11-15 California State Parks - April 14, 2025 Butterflies: Magnificent Victims of Intense Climate Change Environment News Service - March 31, 2025 Monarch butterflies …

  • Climate Resilience

    … special help right now. No more leaving it until ‘someday.’”  – California State Parks Foundation Member  Image Monarch Butterflies at Lighthouse Field State Beach. Creating Grove Management Plans to Protect Western Monarch Butterflies  For years, California State Parks Foundation has supported western monarch butterfly conservation in …

  • Five things to love about California State Parks in 2025

    … by staying on marked paths and respecting park guidelines .      5. Marvel at the Monarch Migration   Western monarch butterflies at Natural Bridges State Beach During the winter months, wrap yourself in a cozy sweater and feel that fluttery, butterflies-in-your-tummy kind of wonder as you witness the awe-inspiring migration of western monarch butterflies at parks like Natural Bridges State Beach and the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove. These areas serve …

  • Announcing our 2023 Western Monarch Butterfly Conservation Grantees

    … the development and implementation of state park overwintering grove management plans.   Each winter, western monarch butterflies stop to rest and refuel along California’s coast, which offers the specific habitat that suits their needs. … in the groves and prepare the area for planting, which will create an increase of habitat resources to benefit monarch butterflies in Morro Bay State Park. Marking trees within the sites will ensure accurate monitoring over time. The lessons … the development and implementation of state park overwintering grove management plans.   Each winter, western monarch butterflies stop to rest and refuel along California’s coast, which offers the specific habitat that suits their needs. …