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.

Celebrating Western Monarch Day can help to raise awareness of their plight, spreading the word that these important pollinators need our help!

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. Examples of things we can do to help monarch butterflies include:

1. Plant Native Milkweed & Nectar-Rich Flowers

One of the most effective ways to help monarchs is by planting native milkweed and nectar-rich flowers. Monarch caterpillars rely on milkweed as their food source, making it essential for their lifecycle. It’s important to plant milkweed species native to your region, as they provide the best nourishment and support natural migration patterns. In addition to milkweed, planting a variety of native, nectar-rich flowers will provide adult monarchs with the energy they need. 

2. Reduce Pesticide Use

Avoiding the use of pesticides and herbicides is another crucial step in protecting monarchs. Many chemical treatments used for weed and pest control can harm butterflies and other beneficial insects. Whenever possible, opt for organic or natural methods to manage pests in your garden.

3. Create a Monarch Waystation

A Monarch Waystation is a garden space filled with native milkweed, nectar plants, shelter, and a pesticide-free environment. These safe havens provide monarchs with a place to feed, breed, and rest as they migrate. Organizations like Monarch Watch even allow you to register your waystation and contribute to conservation efforts.

4. Support Conservation Groups

Donating to or volunteering with organizations like Monarch Watch or the Pollinator Partnership can aid large-scale efforts to protect butterfly habitats. We're proud to support Pollinator Partnership here at BeCause Tees!

5. Help to Raise Awareness

Educating others about the importance of monarch butterflies can create a ripple effect in conservation efforts. Sharing information with friends, family and the wider community can encourage more people to plant butterfly-friendly gardens and make environmentally conscious choices. 

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!