Help Us Save the Monarchs Together we can make a difference

Donate Online

Declining Populations

Studies have estimated a steady decline in monarch populations by 27%-68% over the past two decades.

Lear More

Habitat Loss

The reduction of milkweed and nectar plants is a major cause of decline in monarch populations.

Lear More

Your Donation

By making a contribution, you'll help ensure that our vital work continues to support monarch populations.

Learn More

Our Core Initiatives

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is now legally bound to determine whether to protect imperiled monarch butterflies under the Endangered Species Act, according to the terms of an agreement reached today with conservation groups. In response to critically declining monarch populations, we have taken a three-pronged approach to restoration and conservation efforts.

Raise and Release
Raised: $5,600
Goal: $15,000

Raise and Release Initiative

Publicly Funded

Save the Monarchs is spearheading a statewide initiative to raise and release monarch butterflies across a variety of native habitats and breeding grounds.

Donate Now!

Collaborative Focused Initiave
Raised: $3,150
Goal: $15,000

Flora Restoration Initiative

Publicly Funded

Monarch butterflies depend on milkweed to lay their eggs. We are committed to planting thousands of milkweed, nectars, and other pollunating plants throughout the state.

Donate Now!

Public Awareness Initiave
Raised: $2,000
Goal: $5,000

Public Awareness Initiative

Publicly Funded

Education is key. Awareness of the monarch butterfly's life cycle and habitat requirements is essential for their survival and an important step toward conservation.

Donate Now!

Are you interested in our program initiatives? Click here to learn more about what we do.

Partners, Collaborators & Public Feedback

Monarch Butterfly

Basic Facts: Life Cycle & Migration

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is a milkweed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It may be the most familiar North American butterfly, and is considered an iconic pollinator species. Its wings feature an easily recognizable black, orange, and white pattern, with a wingspan of 8.9–10.2 cm (​3 1⁄2–4 in). The range of monarch butterly populations expands and contracts depending upon the season. It undergoes the four stages of complete metamorphosis ...

Read More

Why is protecting the monarch butterfly important?

  • Biodiversity Matters

    More than beautiful, monarch butterflies contribute to the health of our planet. While feeding on nectar, they pollinate many types of wildflowers. The flowers they chose are varieties that are brightly colored, grow in clusters, stay open during the day, and have flat surfaces that serve as landing pads for their tiny guests. Monarch butterflies are also an important food source for birds, small animals, and other insects.

Learn More

What are contributing factors to habitat loss?

With the loss of agricultural habitat, it is key that we ensure that milkweed and monarch nectar plants are available in other areas. The loss of milkweed in agricultural fields is a major cause of decline in monarchs, though there are other factors contributing to the decline in milkweed availability.

Learn More