Monarch butterflies have returned to Santa Cruz and it’s a sight to see.
The Monarch Grove at Natural Bridges State Beach provides a temporary home for up to 100,000 monarchs, which form a “city in the trees” from late fall into winter.
According to park officials, the region’s mild seaside climate and eucalyptus grove provide a safe place for monarchs to roost until spring.
Visiting the Monarch Preserve (from the park’s website):
Before you visit, you may want to call the park for current information on the population.
Migration is variable and numbers and dates are different each year. The monarchs typically begin arriving in mid-October and have left by mid-February (In 2013, the monarchs had left by January). At Natural Bridges, November is often the best time to for a walk to observe the monarchs. The Monarch Grove has been declared a Natural Preserve, thus protecting these butterflies and their winter habitat from human encroachment or harm. This is the only State Monarch Preserve in California. Access to the preserve area is limited to a handicap accessible boardwalk and observation area.
