Every winter, millions of monarchs are on the move. The majority of them overwinter in a small, local grove of trees in Mexico. Where do the rest go?
The other monarchs end up in a few small, scattered groves around Central California. The groves all are well sheltered from wind and gusts by a large expanse of tall trees and natural geographical blockades.
The most famous monarch grove, at Pismo Beach, holds tens of thousands of monarchs a year!. Sadly, the number has been declining over the last couple of decades.
This winter, I visited three monarch groves, including the Pismo Beach one. It's a magical experience. At first glance, the monarch grove is just a couple of old trees with thick clusters of leaves. A closer look, and every leaf becomes a beautiful butterfly, perfectly aligned against a hundred others.
Yes, those are all monarch butterflies!! Pismo Beach grove.
The sheer amount of monarch butterflies is overwhelming.
Monarch butterfly warming its wings on a sunny day.
A smaller grove in central CA lets you get up close and personal with the butterflies.
More clusters of monarch butterflies.
Next winter, visit the monarch groves more yourself for a breathtaking experience!
Sadly, these majestic winged beauties have been declining significantly in the last couple of decades. Here's how you can help:
>Plant a milkweed garden. Milkweed is the "caterpillar plant" of the monarchs and is a key component of their survival. Keep it pesticide and herbicide free!
>Raise awareness of the monarchs and the monarch groves.
-chiccadee
