Our namesake Monarch butterfly makes its appearance in the area each summer. This one was recently seen feeding among the wildflowers next to the creek that flows through the ski area. The Monarch butterfly makes its way north and east during the spring and summer from the warmer climates of its wintering grounds of California and Mexico. It typically takes three to four generations of Monarch butterflies to make the journey to their summer layover. Once they arrive, they feed on the abundant nectar of the thriving landscape ahead of the return trip. During the fall migratory phase, these individual Monarchs can live up to nine months to make the journey home to their wintering grounds in a single generation. The Monarch butterfly is currently endangered due to the reduction in habitat and specifically the availability of milkweed. The milkweed plant is the host plant that Monarch butterflies lay their eggs on and that the larvae feed on. Monarch Mountain has sourced milkweed seed varieties that are suited to growing in the high mountain valleys. These packages are available for you to plant in your garden. Stop by the Crest for more info on how to help out the Monarch butterfly and pick up your very own package of Milkweed seeds.