Migrating Monarchs Make Magic

If you’ve ever wondered why it is so hard to leave Santa Cruz, you’re not alone.  Tens of thousands of monarch butterflies migrate here each October to spend a cozy winter until they depart in February. 

The Monarch Preserve in Natural Bridges State Park threw a welcome home party on Sunday that allowed more than 3,000 visitors to enjoy the spectacle, with food, face painting, games, music, dance, raffles, guided tours, and even a parade.

The parade of painted and costumed kids began with a limbering up session so that all wings were stretched for the march across the grounds.  Sporting a pair of orange and black wings with matching face paint, first grader Marissa Jacobson from Tracy said the monarchs make her want to fly as she filed in line with the other winged humans mesmerized by this oddity of nature.

The monarchs travel 60-100 miles a day to arrive at the eucalyptus grove at Natural Bridges where they spend a crucial part of their life cycle, yet no one really knows why or how they come here. 

Sadly, they are coming in fewer numbers due to the removal of milkweed by herbicides.  During the 1980s, it was not uncommon to see over 150,000 monarchs. In the last decade, the count is closer to 10,000, according to organizer Martha Nitzberg. 

But Nitzberg was quick to say that like many other butterflies, monarchs symbolize hope because they can transform and fly. 

The celebration of the return of the monarchs began 31 years ago after the collapse of the one of the natural bridges inspired the organizers to create a way to feature the park. 

Nitzberg said more than 40 volunteers and 18 organizations participated in Sunday's events that emphasize education as well as enjoyment.  The season is now open for guided tours between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and ends the second week of February with a goodbye party that features other migrating species.