Our Monarch Waystation

🦋 Monarch Butterflies & Our Waystation

Monarch butterflies need our help. Their populations have declined significantly over the past several decades due to habitat loss and the disappearance of milkweed — the only plant Monarch caterpillars can eat.

In the summer of 2023, we began raising Monarch butterflies from the caterpillar stage through adulthood, releasing them once they were strong and ready. What started as a small, hands-on project quickly grew into a deep passion for conservation.

Today, we maintain a certified Monarch Waystation spanning five acres, providing milkweed, nectar plants, and shelter for Monarchs throughout their entire life cycle.

We carefully raise caterpillars into butterflies, tag them for research purposes (using a tiny numbered sticker), and release them to support ongoing Monarch migration studies.

🦋 We’ll be raising more Monarchs again in 2026.

🐛 From Caterpillar to Butterfly

Look how small Monarch caterpillar larvae are when they begin life.

Monarch caterpillars start out incredibly tiny, feeding exclusively on milkweed as they grow and develop.

🦋 Our Monarch Butterflies                                          

                                                                 

Monarch butterflies emerging and preparing for release.

Watching a Monarch emerge from its chrysalis never gets old — it’s a powerful reminder of how delicate and amazing nature truly is.

🦋 Ready for Release

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                This male Monarch butterfly is ready to be released.

Once their wings are fully formed and strong, Monarchs are released back into the environment to continue their migration.

🌼 How You Can Help Monarchs

Monarchs feeding on nectar plants in our gardens.

Planting the right flowers makes a real difference.

We offer 8 different wildflower seed mixes along with milkweed seed packets designed to support pollinators like Monarch butterflies. These mixes provide nectar sources throughout the growing season, helping butterflies and bees thrive.

🌱 Why Milkweed Matters

Milkweed flowers — the only host plant for Monarch caterpillars.

Milkweed is essential for Monarch survival. It is the only plant Monarch caterpillars can eat. Beyond its importance to butterflies, milkweed is also fragrant, beautiful, and a valuable addition to any garden.

🌱 Milkweed seeds are available in our store, along with pollinator-friendly wildflower mixes.

By planting milkweed and native flowers, you’re helping provide food and habitat for Monarchs — right in your own backyard.

➜ Plant wildflowers & milkweed to help Monarchs