Welcome Back Monarch Butterflies Party

Live music, kids games and a parade are part of the activities scheduled between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday, as celebrates the return of the migrating Monarch butterflies.

The park is also celebrating the rebuilding of the Boardwalk Trail to the butterflies' lair, after it was damaged in last winter's rains.

The theme of this year’s event is “The Expressions & Impressions of Natural Bridges” and will feature art and crafts, face-painting, an all-ages parade, nature walks, and local superheroes Monarch Man and Monarch Woman.

The Monarchs come back to their winter home, the eucalyptus trees in a ravine in this scenic ocean park, after hanging out in the Rocky Mountains for the summer.

The stories they could tell, if they didn't spend so much time nestled and sleeping, of watching mountain bikers in the summer and surfers in the winter.

They leave in February and there is a party thrown then too.

According to the Natural Bridges website:

"On chilly days when the temperature drops below 60 degrees, the butterflies cluster together in the eucalyptus trees for warmth and protection. On warmer days, butterflies flitter and float through the air as they fly from tree to tree.

"The park also maintains a milkweed demonstration patch where visitors may view Monarch eggs, caterpillars and chrysalides. For about half a year, milkweed is the Monarch’s home, super market and maternity ward. The Monarch larva eats only the milkweed plant."

Learn more at the park.