"This is the time of year when monarchs are on the move," said Randy Widera, Director of Programs at the California State Parks Foundation. "They over-winter along the coast in groves, and the main groves that there are, are in state parks."
As part of California Biodiversity Day, celebrated Sept. 6 through Sept. 14, the foundation is asking residents to become citizen scientists by helping track monarchs.
"We are trying to get a sense of where the monarch are, where they are coming from, how widespread they are and what time of year they're at," Widera explained.
Participating is simple:
- Download the free iNaturalist app
- Snap a photo of a monarch butterfly or caterpillar
- Upload the observation to iNaturalist
The data collected will support scientists and contribute to the 29th annual Western Monarch Count.
Wider said of his 30-years of observing Monarch butterflies, "You would drive up and down the coast and you would see them in huge clusters at different places, but that decline has been precipitous and we've been losing monarchs due to many factors."
Millions of monarchs once returned to California each winter, but their population has dropped sharply. The most recent count found just over 9,100 butterflies, the second-lowest number ever recorded. Scientists warn the species faces a 95% chance of extinction by 2080 if trends continue.
Climate change, habitat loss, pesticides, and wildfires all threaten the butterflies. Still, advocates say small steps can help. Planting nectar-rich flowers at home, or supporting restoration projects in state parks, gives monarchs the resources they need during migration.
"Any of those nectarine plants that you can plant on your deck, on your porch or in your backyard are going to really help the monarchs," Widera said.
For Californians, helping protect monarchs means safeguarding one of nature's most breathtaking migrations and ensuring future generations see these butterflies fill the skies.