Join us for a two-day workshop exploring the world of monarch butterflies in Sonoma County! Don't miss the chance to delve into the fascinating life cycle of these incredible creatures and discover the vital role of California native milkweed. Participate in an interactive field day within Sonoma County Regional Parks, where you'll make meaningful observations for the International Monarch Monitoring Blitz and contribute to an important cause. Experience the blend of education and conservation, and leave inspired to protect these beautiful butterflies!
This event is free. Registration is required - Click here to sign up!
The International Monarch Monitoring Blitz is a call to action for individuals, organizations, and community scientists across North America to unite to conserve monarch butterflies and their dependent habitats. Participating in the Monarch Blitz entails tracking your observations of the monarch butterfly. If you encounter a monarch egg, caterpillar, and/or adult or milkweed, regardless of location, near the end of July or the beginning of August, you’re encouraged to share your observation with one of several Community Science programs. We will use INaturalist.org for the workshop, making it as easy to upload observations as it is to post on social media.
What to Bring:
Camera (phone)
Layered clothing for cool to warm weather
Comfortable walking shoes for uneven ground
Water bottle (drinking water not provided)
Sunscreen/hat
Optional: notebook, magnifying glass, binoculars.
Day 1 (July 12th) 10 am - 12 pm
Location: Hallberg Butterfly Gardens 8687 Oak Grove Ave Sebastopol, CA 95472
Description: Review the lifecycles of Monarch butterflies and California native milkweed, how to make observations on the INaturalist app or Inaturalist.org, and instructions to participate in the International Monarch Bioblitz (July 25th-August 3rd).
Accessibility: The garden entrance has level gravel paths, shallow potholes, and bumps (gopher activity). Gravel road transitions to narrow dirt paths, and shallow stairs navigate a moderate hillside.
Parking: Gravel lot. We suggest arriving 10 minutes early to get settled and use the restroom.
Day 2 (July 26th) 10 am - 12 pm
Location: Crane Creek: 5000 Pressley Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Description: Participants will meet at Crane Creek to learn about native milkweed in Sonoma County Regional Parks and record observations of native milkweed and monarch butterflies for the International Monarch Blitz (July 25th - August 3rd).
Accessibility: The Milkweed sites involve hiking a minimum ¾ - 1 mile on park trails, which can sometimes be rocky or uneven.
Parking: Gravel lot. We suggest arriving 10 minutes early to get settled and use the restroom.