NPS During their seasonal migration, monarch butterflies travel to southeastern Arizona, either as a winter destination or while journeying to and from California and Mexico. Monarchs have been spotted at Coronado National Memorial and nearby in Canelo and along the San Pedro River. Unfortunately, monarch numbers have been declining precipitously in recent years due to climate change, habitat loss, and threats to their food sources from industrial agriculture and pesticides. Because of these threats, in December 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed listing the monarch as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. To support monarchs on their migrations, Coronado's Resource Management staff has planted 102 native milkweeds across three sites in the memorial since 2014. Milkweed is essential for the survival of the species because it is the sole food source for their caterpillars. Coronado also provides the nectar-producing flowers on which adult butterflies feed, as well as a pesticide-free area for them to seek refuge. You can help the monarchs by planting native milkweeds and nectar-producing flowers in your yard. We’re hopeful our efforts and yours will help the migrating monarchs to survive by finding their way to safe havens like Coronado National Memorial and beyond. |
Last updated: September 1, 2025