Celebrating Western Monarch Day

Every year, nature enthusiasts and butterfly lovers mark a special day on their calendars – Western Monarch Day. This day is dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness about the western monarch butterfly - but why dedicate a day to a butterfly, you might ask? Let's find out!

What is Western Monarch Day?

Western Monarch Day is an awareness day that takes place on February 5th every year, celebrating the incredible migration of the western monarch butterfly and their overwintering period of October to March in California. This day is also an opportunity to raise awareness of the rapid decline of monarch butterflies.

The Marvelous Migration of Western Monarch Butterflies

The western monarch butterfly is known for its striking orange and black wings and its remarkable migration pattern. Every year, western monarchs embark on a fall migration, traveling from regions like the Rocky Mountains to the warmer climates of California's coast. Eastern monarchs, on the other hand, breed east of the Rocky Mountains and make the epic journey to central Mexico during the fall.

The Importance of Western Monarchs

Western monarchs play a crucial role in our ecosystems. As pollinators, they contribute significantly to the health of our flora. Their migration and life cycle are tightly interwoven with various plant species, especially the milkweed, on which they lay their eggs. The survival of these plants, in turn, supports a wider range of wildlife, showcasing the interconnected nature of our ecosystems.

Raising Awareness on Western Monarch Day

Sadly, the western monarch butterfly is facing a dire situation, with their numbers plummeting at an alarming rate. Millions of western monarchs used to be observed in their wintering grounds in California, but more recent counts have shown a decline of over 99%. This drastic decrease is attributed to various factors, including habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide use, all of which disrupt their migratory patterns and breeding grounds.

How We Can Help Monarchs

Western Monarch Day is more than a celebration; it's a call to action. It's a day to educate and inspire people to take steps towards conserving this magnificent species. Ways we can help monarch butterflies include:

• Planting native milkweed and nectar-rich flowers.
• Reducing pesticide use.
• Supporting conservation programs. 
• Helping to raise awareness of their plight.

On Western Monarch Day, we celebrate these beautiful butterflies, but also remember the need to raise awareness of their decline. BeCause Tees is proud to support Pollinator Partnership as part of our mission. Shop our Pollinator Collection to browse monarch butterfly shirts, bee hoodies, bat tumblers, and more!