Monarch butterflies, admired for their brilliant orange wings and remarkable migration journeys from Mexico to Canada and back, are facing a concerning decline. Once widespread across prairies, farmlands, and neighborhoods, their numbers have dwindled significantly.
Over the past 30 years, the Eastern monarch population has plummeted by 70%. Meanwhile, the Western monarch population has dropped to near-record lows, with only 9,119 butterflies recorded during the 2024-2025 overwintering season—a drastic fall from the 200,000+ counted in previous years. Experts point to habitat destruction, pesticide use, climate change, and extreme weather events as key factors behind this alarming decline.
But the good news? There are plenty of ways we can help monarchs survive and thrive! Here are five actions that can make a real difference.
Plant Native Milkweed
Planting native milkweed is crucial for supporting biodiversity, especially monarch butterflies. Monarchs rely on milkweed as their host plant—it’s the only place they lay their eggs, and it’s the only food source for their caterpillars. Without a major effort to restore milkweed, the monarch population is certain to decline.
Grow a Pollinator-Friendly Garden
Beyond milkweed, monarchs need nectar-rich flowers for energy, especially during migration. Include a variety of native wildflowers such as goldenrod, coneflowers, and asters. Choose plants that bloom throughout the seasons to provide a consistent food source for adult butterflies.
Mixing annuals with native perennials ensures continuous blooms throughout the season, keeping monarchs well-fed.
Avoid Pesticides and Herbicides
Many insecticides and herbicides harm butterflies and their food sources. Opt for organic gardening practices and encourage natural pest control, such as ladybugs and lacewings. If weed control is necessary, use targeted, manual removal instead of broad-spectrum chemicals. Find natural pest solutions here: https://www.pesticides.org/
Support Conservation Efforts
Local and national organizations work tirelessly to protect monarch habitats and advocate for stronger environmental protections. Support groups like the Monarch Watch, Monarch Joint Venture, World Wildlife Fund, or the Xerces Society by donating, volunteering, or participating in citizen science programs that track monarch populations.
Individuals can help solve some of the enduring mysteries about the monarch. To better understand monarch migration, science organizations rely on citizen scientists to collect data during the annual life cycle of monarch breeding, migration, and overwintering. Your actions can improve and inspire monarch conservation. Click here to find out more: https://monarchjointventure.org/get-involved/study-monarchs-community-science-opportunities
Spread Awareness
Education is key! Share information about monarch conservation with friends, family, and your community. Encourage schools and businesses to create butterfly-friendly spaces, and get involved in local initiatives to protect pollinator habitats. The more people join the movement, the greater the impact.
Monarch butterflies are facing serious challenges, from habitat loss to climate change, but small actions can make a big difference.