The Amazing Monarch Migration

You might hear a lot about fall bird migration this time of year—and don’t get us wrong: there’s a lot to admire about the many avian species flying through our region. But they’re not the only ones creating a stir in Northeast Ohio. Monarch butterflies bring their own magic as they migrate south for winter.  

If you’re out exploring nature any time this autumn, odds are you’ll catch a glimpse of their vibrant orange wings—and sometimes in great numbers. During peak monarch migration, it’s possible to spot swarms of tens, hundreds, or even thousands of monarchs at once. 

Why do monarchs migrate? 

Monarch butterflies, also known by the scientific name Danaus plexippus, are pretty special—and not just for their iconic markings. Monarchs are the only butterfly species known to make a two-way seasonal migration, similar to birds. They migrate south in the winter to find warmer climates because they are unable to survive the cold northern climates as other species do. During this migration, monarchs travel as far as 3,000 miles to their winter home. 

How monarchs navigate during this astonishing journey has long been somewhat of a mystery. Researchers now believe that monarchs use a time-compensated sun compass to reach their destination. This depends on their ability to track the position of the Sun in the sky with their eyes, combined with an internal clock embedded within their antennae. Together, these signals serve as directional aids that guide the monarch to its destination. (How monarchs navigate on cloudy days is still a puzzle—but scientists believe that Earth’s magnetic pull may serve as an additional directional aid.) 

Monarch butterflies rest on the branches of oyamel fir trees in the forests of central Mexico. Image: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Where do monarch butterflies come from? 

In North America, there are two distinct monarch butterfly populations—the eastern and western monarchs. During the summer months, the eastern North American population spreads out across the eastern and midwestern regions of the United States, including Northeast Ohio, and extend into southern Canada. Meanwhile, the western North American population spends the summer inhabiting the region west of the Rocky Mountains. 

During the winter, the western monarch population makes a relatively short trip to coastal California, in areas such as Santa Cruz and San Diego, where they overwinter in tree groves. The eastern population, meanwhile, begins the long trip south to the oyamel fir forests in the mountains of central Mexico. 

A generational journey 

One fascinating aspect of the monarch’s journey is that it takes place over several generations. In March through April, the first generation hatches from eggs laid by the previous winter’s migrating butterflies in the oyamel forests of Mexico. Come spring, this first generation makes its way north, breeding, laying eggs, and then dying. Their eggs produce the second generation, which then produces the third, each continuing the cycle of breeding, laying eggs, and then dying as they continue to travel north.  

The fourth and final generation—those we see in autumn in the region of Northeast Ohio—are the only monarchs that will make their way back to Mexico. Known as the “super generation,” these butterflies delay reproduction to make their southern migration. As environmental cues such as cooling temperatures and shorter daylight hours signal the change of season, the butterflies begin their trip southward. After overwintering in Mexico, they breed and lay their eggs the following spring, beginning the cycle all over again. 

Where can you see monarch butterflies? 

Your local parks are a great place to spot all sorts of wildlife—including migrating monarchs. As peak migration season approaches in mid-September, locations along the Lake Erie shoreline can be great places to spot these long-distance travelers. Other natural areas such as Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve, the Cleveland Metroparks, and Cuyahoga Valley National Park are a great starting point for monarch-spotting. 

Monarch butterflies need our help 

Despite their amazing resilience, monarch butterflies—like many other species—are vulnerable to threats, many caused by human activity. 

Their numbers have declined in North America over the past few decades due to climate change, habitat loss, food loss, and pesticide use. Between 1996 and 2020, the eastern U.S. monarch population dropped a staggering 88 percent, while the western population dropped more than 99 percent. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed to list the monarch butterfly as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, and in the state of Ohio, it is already listed as a Species of Concern. 

There is hope for the monarch, however. During the 2025–2026 overwintering season, a World Wildlife Fund report found a 64% increase in the monarch population in Mexico—a promising sign of recovery. This change isn’t accidental. During this time period, the report also found a reduction in forest degradation caused by illegal logging, forest fires, and drought—proof that conservation efforts can lead to real progress. 

You don’t have to migrate south for the winter to help save the monarchs. Work is needed here in Ohio, too—and you can take part in your own community, neighborhood, or backyard. Steps you can take to help with monarch butterfly conservation include: 

• Planting native plants that support pollinators: Pollinator gardens aren’t just for the bees. Plants such as native milkweed support monarch caterpillars, while other native flowering plants provide food and shelter for monarchs throughout all life stages. 

• Limiting or avoiding pesticides: Pesticide use, even on a small scale, can harm monarchs and other pollinators. Reduce or eliminate pesticide use in favor of gentler methods, such as hand-picking, using protective barriers, attracting insects that eat pests, and removing plant debris. 

• Observing from a distance: Like all wildlife, monarch butterflies thrive best in the wild. Touching, catching, or even bringing them indoors can introduce additional dangers. Binoculars come in handy when observing monarchs from a respectful distance. 

• Supporting local habitats: Beyond your own yard, you can get involved in habitat restoration efforts nearby by volunteering, donating, or participating in programs and events—and you’ll likely help a whole lot more than just monarchs. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s Natural Areas Program is just one example of local efforts to support native habitats and wildlife through conservation and restoration. 

If you’re curious to learn more about how you can help wildlife in your own backyard, support conservation, and work toward a sustainable future, visit the Cleveland Museum of Natural History or join one of our upcoming natural areas programs to explore the outdoors with a naturalist as your guide. 

Upcoming Natural Areas Programs