Millions of Monarch Butterflies Are Headed Straight for Wisconsin This Spring

Calling all nature enthusiasts! Not only is the migration of the monarch butterflies in Wisconsin one of our favorite times of year, but the process is also one of the most unique phenomena in the world. As one of the only insects that can’t withstand winter in a temperate climate, when fall hits, monarchs west of the Rockies head to the California coast. Monarchs east of the Rockies head to the forests in the Mexican mountains. These small, beautiful creatures travel up to 2,500 miles twice a year. Can you believe that? Recent sightings in the southern part of the US mean the migration north has begun and a large number of the monarchs will pass through or stay in Wisconsin. So, if you’re wondering about the best time to see monarch butterflies in Wisconsin, here’s a map where you can keep track of the path of migration.

Down south, the migration of the monarch numbers in the hundreds of millions as they head up from Mexico. Over the last couple of years, there has been a significant increase in the monarch butterfly population, and the scientists are quite excited about it. We won't see as many monarchs here as the northern migration spreads out across the center of the country, but we still should see plenty.

When do monarch butterflies migrate through Wisconsin? The monarchs are fascinating because they travel so very far, and oftentimes, they go back to the very same tree they wintered in the last time they migrated. The migration is studied closely, but it’s difficult to predict. However, we hope that we will start seeing these majestic insects as early as May.

They particularly like milkweed, and fields of milkweed can be home to hundreds of thousands of monarch eggs and, eventually, larvae. The plants can be poisonous to humans and animals (be careful when you're around them), but they're the source of the monarchs survival.

The butterflies make this migration en masse, like you'd expect from whales or hummingbirds. But unlike birds and whales, individuals only make the round trip once. It is their children's grandchildren that return south the following fall.

Forests and trees that are razed for development threaten the future of the monarch. If they're used to returning to a spot and that spot disappears, what will they do? They move south to survive the winter, but their wintering location doesn't have the food that the eggs and larvae need to grow.

Conservation efforts are underway to help protect this fascinating and beautiful creature that takes a journey unlike any other insect. Make sure you keep an eye out for these unique insects and help make your yard a place they want to be this spring and summer. As the migration moves, you just might find yourself with a garden full of monarchs.

So, are you excited to see monarch butterflies in Wisconsin? If so, will you help lure these gorgeous and beautiful insects to your yard? Let us know on our nomination page if you spot a monarch this spring and where is your favorite place to see these beauties.

Nature enthusiasts, did you know there’s a park in Wisconsin where you can see sandhill cranes in their natural habitat? Check out our article telling you more about these gorgeous birds in Wisconsin.

Before you go exploring, be sure to visit REI for all your birdwatching and hiking gear.