Community Chat

[We rescue cats]

We filled in our pool 2 years ago, last year we topped off the fill with topsoil and planted grass seed on it and planted a second seeding of grass and clover seed. The fields bordering the "yard" have Joe Pye Weed, Milkweed and Butterfly weed growing. Most of those have been there for several years. We're adding a few shallow water troughs for the animals so that we can be re-certified as a wildlife sanctuary.

[Desertdi]

[shoekitty]

I see a couple in my yard. I think a couple hatched in the milk weed weed I didn't see, lol!  I live not far from Pacific Grove where the butterflies come annuallythosands of them. But this is California, we protect some of their environments  the use of most pesticides is banned here.  We have them it's just delighted to certain ones, and certain areas. Clean water act. I will send photos of the annual butterfly migration it is a wonderful event.

years ago I was out front when a swarm came by. My neighbor and wweremstunned beyond belief. We stood pad there not knowing what it was coming. We heard flapping. Then the flutter on our skins as they justmbarged through

[shoekitty]

Pacific Grove, California. Monarch Preserve. 2025. I couldn't post more photos.  Wouldn't allow it

[shoekitty]

[shoekitty]

Western monarch butterflies are historically in the Pacific Grove Monarch Sanctuary from mid-October through mid-February, with a peak season of November – January.

To see monarchs cluster, visit the Sanctuary in the morning before 11 am, or on overcast days below 55 F. Look closely: clustering monarchs resemble small pinecones or brown leaves.

To see monarchs in flight, visit the Sanctuary in the mid-day or afternoon after 11 am, or on sunny days above 55 F. Monarchs will be most present in the nectar beds on the south end of the trail.

Other popular monarch overwintering locations in California include Natural Bridges State Park in Santa Cruz and Pismo State Beach.

Pacific Grove museum of Natural History

[AuntG]

We never pull out any milk weed, because I heard Monarchs need them. 

[shoekitty]

---

@AuntG wrote:

We never pull out any milk weed, because I heard Monarchs need them. 

---

@AuntG   yes, if you want them to breed in your yard, they won't without milkweed.  Their favorite. Some butterfly plants attract them like crazy.  But they won't breed in them unless it is milkweek type.   The stickers milkweed is very protective for them. 

[patbz]

@tansy : Unless there are two preserves in that area, its actualy on Dolliver Street next to Pismo Beach. There is a grove of Eucalyptus trees that seasonally are just covered with

Monarchs.

[shoekitty]

---

@patbz wrote:

@tansy : Unless there are two preserves in that area, its actualy on Dolliver Street next to Pismo Beach. There is a grove of Eucalyptus trees that seasonally are just covered with

Monarchs

@patbz  the Pacific Grove Butterfly Sanctuary is located

250 Ridge Rd, in Pacific Grove

there are a couple other places in Monterey County, here in California that butterflies congregate. the Dollover St one. In pismo is a gathering place, The place I am actually speaking of in Paciif Grove is a big sanctuary.  This is where  butterflies migrate to at certain time. You can check schedule, this sanctuary is open for viewing during the wek and weekends, but butterflies are there to to see only at certain hours, which they list. Otherwise I guess they are off doing butterfly stuff all day. lol lol. This particular group has been coming  for  a hundred years Or more