The Magic of Migration, the Power of Science
Every fall, millions of monarch butterflies begin their incredible journey to Mexico. Along the way, scientists gather data that helps us understand migration routes, survival rates, and the many challenges monarchs face.
At Whimsical Wings Farms, we are proud to partner with Monarch Watch in this effort through their Tagging Program. Each butterfly we tag carries a small, lightweight sticker with an identification number. If that butterfly is recovered later in its journey, the number tells researchers where it came from and how far it traveled. This process helps scientists piece together the monarch’s migration story.
Why Tagging Matters Now More Than Ever
Butterflies, including monarchs, are in serious decline:
– Across the U.S., butterfly populations have dropped by more than 20% since the year 2000.
– Habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change are the leading causes.
– Monarchs face unique threats as milkweed disappears across North America—the only plant their caterpillars can eat.
By releasing and tagging butterflies, we help scientists track these patterns, contributing data that can inform conservation policy and habitat restoration efforts.
Community Day at Whimsical Wings
This September, we invite you to join us for a special Community Day at Whimsical Wings Farms. Guests will have the unforgettable experience of releasing hundreds of tagged monarchs into the wild.
– Each butterfly will be tagged as part of Monarch Watch’s research program.
– Families and classrooms will directly contribute to real science.
– Together, we’ll celebrate the monarch migration and highlight the importance of protecting pollinators.
And here’s something magical: If a butterfly you release is later recovered, you can search its number in the Monarch Watch Tag Recovery Database (https://monarchwatch.org/tagging) and see where your butterfly’s journey took it.
Habitat Restoration: The Other Half of the Story
Tagging gives us critical data—but habitat gives monarchs a fighting chance.
That’s why Whimsical Wings participates in habitat restoration every day by:
– Including milkweed plants in our Monarch kits so families and classrooms can grow host plants for future generations.
– Encouraging the planting of native milkweed like swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) and butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa).
– Educating about responsible gardening, including cutting back tropical milkweed in the fall to keep migration patterns healthy.
Every plant matters. Each garden, schoolyard, and backyard Waystation adds up to thousands of miles of safe passage for monarchs.
Be Part of the Cause
This September, when you come to Whimsical Wings Farms’ Community Day, you’re not just watching butterflies take flight—you’re helping to gather scientific data, restore habitat, and give monarchs the support they desperately need.
Together, we can ensure that these beautiful travelers will continue their remarkable journey for generations to come.