“Arriving there is what you are destined for, but do not hurry the journey at all …” —Constantine P. Cavafy

Resting in the rough crevice of a Monterey pine’s trunk are hundreds of folded wings. At first glance the clusters appear to be dried leaves. Then a delicate pair of wings spread towards the warmth of an afternoon sun. Their stained glass patterns are unmistakable. 

This lovely swarm of butterflies is what attracts us to a coastal sanctuary in Pacific Grove, California, nicknamed Butterfly Town USA. Their community voted for an additional tax creating the Monarch Grove Sanctuary, where volunteers care for the site and its wild winter inhabitants.

Beginning in October, the insects arrive to overwinter, restoring their strength in preparation for a migratory journey in spring. If temperatures drop below 55 degrees they cannot fly. They cluster, flitter and wait for warmer days. They are unhurried. Eventually, they leave the coast to states west of the Rockies, including Utah.

As we approach the grove a mix of excited anticipation and curiosity fills the spring air. The chatter of young families, students with field notes and out-of-town visitors quiets as we cross the threshold into a protected habitat for Western monarchs (Danaus plexippus). A distilled reverence takes hold when we begin our silent quest in search of an impermanent, fragile beauty.

The first Western monarchs typically arrive in Utah by May and lay eggs on milkweed (Asciepias speciosa) every 30 days beginning in June. Utah has 15 native species of milkweed. It is the only host plant for monarchs and provides essential nectar for many pollinators, especially hungry monarch caterpillars.

A monarchs only lives two to six weeks. The butterfly’s offspring stay in Utah through September before the last generation of the year flies back to overwintering grounds in US coastal regions. Unlike other migratory species, these butterflies born in late summer are destined for a thousand-mile journey on an unfamiliar migration path to a place they have never been before. The long distance travelers will survive on nectar from pollinator plants and live up to eight winter months from stored body fat. The following spring they will mature and reproduce, starting the next generation of wild monarchs.

Western monarchs require milkweed, wild flowers and nectar plants to survive. Tragically, less than 10% of eggs make it to adulthood due to high predation from birds, wasps, spiders and parasites found in the wild and other factors. They simply don’t have enough of what they need. Areas safe from pesticides and protection from drought, severe storms and wildfires related to climate change are critical to their survival. Intact overwintering habitat is also imperative.

Monarch populations are in a free fall, down by 80% to 97%, according to studies conducted by the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. Beginning in the 1980s scientists documented alarming population declines corresponding with a massive use of herbicides by farmers and homeowners.

The 2020 Annual Western Monarch Count recorded only 1,014 monarchs, down from 1.2 million documented in 1997 and 5 million in the 1980s.

This past winter, community advocates and conservation professionals counted 5,407 monarchs butterflies at 223 overwintering sites from Dec. 28, 2024 to Jan. 12, 2025. It is the second worst overwintering season on record. The hope is that the population can rebound in the upcoming spring and summer breeding season as it had in 2020.

What can we do to bring monarchs back?

Neocortinoids (neonics) are harmful pesticides (banned in California and Europe) that threaten butterflies, moths, bees and other wild pollinators ingesting or feeding on flowers. As we start gardening, consider purchasing nontoxic native pollinator plants and seed products not treated with neonics, which are regionally available. We must avoid spraying dandelions and buying nursery plants and seeds that are treated with pesticides.

We should work to protect natural habitats for all stages of the monarchs’ journey, support organic local agriculture and contribute to wildlife-friendly science programs and policies.

Amber and black wings circling overhead that disappear in a coastal atmosphere or light on a quivering native flower in Utah are beyond precious delights. These are nature’s living miracles and require every protection humanity can muster.

Leslie Miller is the co-editor of “Reimagining A Place for the Wild” and a former, long-time resident of Park City who now lives in Midway.