Monarchs Enjoy Their Last Days in Paradise

The last of the monarch butterflies enjoyed 70 degree weather Sunday at Natural Bridges State Beach. The world's prettiest insects return to the same eucalyptus grove every fall, migrating south from Canada, to lay their eggs in one of the most popular monarch wintering locations. The eucalyptus grove will see 200,000 monarchs on a good year, the highest concentration of monarchs in America.

"What is interesting is that the ones that are born here actually live the longest. They are in the "diapause" stage, which is primarily resting," said tour guide Jean Bernard.

The eucalyptus grove is like a natural incubator for the monarchs since it is located in a canyon, providing shelter from the wind. The monarchs also like the diffused sunlight in the grove, and are amply fed by the eucalyptus trees which flower in the winter, explained Bernard. It is also a Natural Preserve, so the monarchs shouldn't ever have to worry about finding a new overwintering location.

On a sunny Sunday afternoon, dozens of people at a time took the wooden pathway down into the eucalyptus grove. Although the hanging piles of monarchs that can be seen during their peak population are long gone, the glimpses of orange and black wings happily fluttering in and out of the trees was still enough to delight.

"You just have to stop and look because they are small, but once you see them you realize there are really a bunch up there," Bernard said in a quiet voice, careful not to disrupt the monarchs.

Every Saturday and Sunday until February 11, the visitor center hosts guided monarch tours at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. On February 11, the park holds its annual Migration Festival event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. The 26-year-old tradition sees off the last of the monarchs who will move on to warmer climates, and will feature fun activities for all ages.

The Natural Bridges State Beach Visitors Center is at 2531 West Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz.