Reforestation for
Monarch butterflies
Every fall, eastern migratory monarch butterflies undertake a heroic migration south to their overwintering grounds in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Mexico. There, they roost in oyamel fir forests at an elevation of 2,400 to 3,600 meters, taking advantage of the warm, humid microclimate. The eastern migratory monarch butterfly is so intertwined with these forests that their population is measured by the hectares of oyamel fir and native pine forest they occupy.
Although fossil evidence shows that butterflies have inhabited our planet for over 100 million years, monarchs face several threats today. These include declining milkweed and nectar plants, deforestation and degradation of their overwintering grounds in Mexico, pesticide use, and climate change impacts like out-of-season storms, severe temperature drops, and heavy rainfall. All of these factors have manifested steep population declines over the past 20 years. Protecting and restoring their overwintering grounds is critical to the survival of monarch butterflies.
Monarch Restoration Stats
80%
Decline
Eastern Migratory Monarch populations have declined by 80%
2,500-3,000
Mile migration
They undertake a yearly migration of 2,500-3,000 miles to reach their overwintering grounds.
100
Miles a day
They can travel up to 100 miles a day, often flying at elevations of 800-1,200 feet!
11-12
Overwintering areas
These grounds are spread across 11-12 areas in Mexico’s Sierra Madre Mountains.
59%
Less
The species occupied only 2.2 acres during the 2023-2024 winter season, 59% less than the previous year.
Project Highlights
Healthy forests encompass richly layered habitat types and shelter a breathtaking range of biodiversity — including 80% of amphibian species, 75% of bird species, and 68% of mammal species. Reforestation can restore critical biodiversity habitats and corridors, supporting the survival of threatened and endangered species. Learn about three recent reforestation projects that planted trees for the monarch butterfly!
Monarch High Forest Reforestation
This project focused on two types of restoration: converting deforested farmland back to native forest, and reforesting areas that have been severely degraded by clear cutting, forest fires, and bark beetle infestations. By working with local landowners, we restored critical monarch habitat — much of which is mountainous, making it unsuitable for commercial or large-scale farming. As the trees grow and the land around the Monarch Reserve is restored, pressure on the remaining forest habitat will be reduced, and vital resting grounds will be restored.
Monarch Corridor in the State of Mexico
This project planted trees to restore land in the Nevado de Toluca protected area in the State of Mexico. The fourth highest elevation in the country, the Nevado de Toluca, also known as Xinantécatl, is a significant landmark. This dormant volcano is an integral part of Mexico’s natural cultural heritage — and the trees were planted within a five mile radius of its center. The main priorities of this initiative were the conservation and protection of the Monarch butterfly’s (Danaus plexippus) overwintering habitat — and the economic growth of the surrounding local communities.
Monarch Area Reforestation in Michoacán
This project focused on converting farmland and restoring forests to preserve and revitalize essential habitats for the monarch butterfly, which faces numerous threats, including climate change and urban development. This reforestation initiative not only protects the monarch butterfly population, but enhances various ecological services through extensive tree planting efforts, all while involving the local community in conservation efforts.