JAN 23 2014 BY JULIA 

Sanctuary of the Monarch Butterfly: NOW is the time to visit Monarch Grove Sanctuary. According to the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History in Pacific Grove, California (also known as “Butterfly Town, USA”), the butterfly population is now estimated at 14,000.  The Monarchs cluster by the hundreds into beautiful orange cascades in the pine and eucalyptus trees of the Sanctuary. We were recently at the preserve and saw the clustered butterflies awaken and flutter about as the sun warmed the area.  A remarkable sight.

The Monarch overwintering season is from November through February. “Overwintering” means to pass through or wait out the winter.  The Monarchs venture to the mild climate of the Central California Coast to avoid colder weather. They may travel up to 2000 miles to make this journey. A docent at the Sanctuary, explained this phenomena is unique as several generations of Monarchs have lived and died since the departure of last year’s gathering, and so this generation appears without ever having been to the Sanctuary.

XplorMor: Monarch Grove Sanctuary

Monarch Grove Sanctuary is located at 263 Grove Acre Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA 93950.  Open everyday from sunrise to sundown, and admission is free.  The Pacific Grove Museum emphasizes, “The community has always welcomed the butterflies and sought their protection. Citizens of Pacific Grove voted to create an additional tax to create the Sanctuary of the Monarch Butterfly, led by dedicated volunteers.  The Pacific Grove Police Department continues to enforce strict regulations that prohibit the “molestation of butterflies.”  The fine?  $1,000.”  

Read more about Monarch Butterflies and this wonderful Sanctuary of the Monarch Butterfly.