Every year mid-October, thousands of butterflies fill the eucalyptus groves, adorning the low-hanging branches in the center of Natural Bridges State Beach — the only state monarch reserve in California.
Monarchs sit within the eucalyptus branches, shot at Natural Bridges Monarch Trail.
Monarchs arrive in mid October and habitate the area until about mid-February. In the face of worsening climate change, pollinators like the butterflies are at risk, with recorded monarch numbers steadily declining. Every year, Natural Bridges State Beach hosts community events to welcome and send off migratory species that inhabit the preserve to promote conservation efforts and educate the public.
“Welcome” sign, displayed at Natural Bridges Monarch Trail entrance.
At the Feb. 10 Migration Festival, information booths of local organizations surrounded the visitor center. Employees and volunteer docents provided information and activities about monarchs. Some groups attending the event included Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, Marine Life Studies, Research, Education, and Conservation of Monterey Bay, and the Monarch Milkweed Project.
Natural Bridges Visitor Center sign.
This event transported me back to studying monarch life cycles and migration in grade school while reflecting on my conservation goals. Gardening milkweed, tracking caterpillar growth and metamorphosis, as well as visiting local butterfly gardens in my community instilled a personal desire to protect these creatures.
In discussions with conservation organizers, educators, and students, I saw many like-minded individuals contributing to the education of today’s youth.
“Ever since I was a child, I was interested in Monarch Butterflies and as a UCSC student, I used to go to Natural Bridges to see the overwintering Monarchs,” Annina Puccio, executive director of the Monarch Milkweed Project said. “There were hundreds of thousands of them roosting on the trees in the park! When the sunlight hit them in the morning, they burst off the roosts in a blaze of light — it was magical!”
Monarch Milkweed Project booth run by executive director Annina Puccio and Dean Audiffred.
I explored the booths, taking in field research displays and samples of local flora and fauna specimens. The Migration Festival provides the community with educational opportunities and ways to get involved locally in nature research and conservation.
As a current UC Santa Cruz student, I found it to be an unforgettable experience to talk with an alum like Annina and discuss shared interests in monarch butterflies and nature conservation teachings and techniques.
The most recent 27th annual Thanksgiving count recorded 10,000 monarch butterflies at Lighthouse Field State Beach and 6,500 at Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz County.
Monarchs cover the trees at Natural Bridges Monarch Trail.
This is a significant uptick in numbers, in 2020 less than 2,000 butterflies were recorded statewide, and a record low of only about 550 butterflies at Natural Bridges. This year’s data reflects a decline of 30.43 percent from the previous 2021-22 years. Though some yearly variation is expected, a growing pattern of long-term decline in numbers has been observed. Annual counts play vital roles in promoting and encouraging monarch protection.
“It is becoming too late to save some pollinators, but we don’t have to lose them all, ” Puccio shared via email when asked about her favorite part of being included in the festival. “We all can help!”
Pollinator populations are declining worldwide, due to habitat loss and pesticide use. Small-scale solutions such as planting native flowers, offering bottle caps of water on hot days, and reducing or eliminating the use of pesticides can make a difference in conservation efforts.
When discussing the harsh impacts of climate change on our environment and society, many turn to data and statistics. However, I see photography as a way to visualize nature and bring awareness to conservation efforts made across the globe.
“Now more than ever, the future is uncertain,” said Lauren M. Kitayama, Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks outreach coordinator, in a discussion about what conservation means to her and what she hopes to accomplish moving forward. “Climate change will continue to impact our community in ways we cannot predict. California State Parks is committed to using the best available data to inform their land management practices, but to really build a sustainable park, we need funding and an actively engaged community.”
Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks booth run by outreach coordinator, Lauren M. Kitayama and parks philanthropy director Jo Kenny.
Natural Bridges State Beach and monarch preserves are great for community members and tourists alike. It provides scenic overlooks and information about local organizations and their conservation work. If you have the chance, go and explore Natural Bridges State Beach, eucalyptus groves, and monarch preserves.
