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All the United States California Pacific Grove Monarch Grove Sanctuary

Monarch Grove Sanctuary

Every year, over 25,000 monarchs overwinter in Pacific Grove.

Pacific Grove, California

Added By
Laura Edeen
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Make sure the butterflies are there before you plan your stop!   RoadtripRandy / Atlas Obscura User
11 November 2021   shaunk82 / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Between October and February, the butterfly trees of Pacific Grove transform. What appears to be clusters of dead leaves will, on a sunny day, suddenly burst forth from the trees and fly around in magical clouds of orange.

Home to Monarch butterflies who overwinter here, the butterflies are usually found here from October to February. The trees in the fog-shrouded Monterey pine forest of the Pacific Grove are the perfect microclimate for the monarchs with the proper humidity, light, shade, temperature, and protection from wind.

The Monarch Butterflies migration to Pacific Grove is so unique that Pacific Grove is also called "Butterfly Town, U.S.A." and the community both welcomes butterflies and has sought for their protection. Pacgrovians are so into their monarch butterflies that the local elementary school children march in a very charming welcome back butterflies parade the first Saturday in October. In John Steinbeck's book Sweet Thursday, a chapter is dedicated to describing this butterfly parade.

Dedicated volunteers help keep the Monarch Grove Sanctuary protected and the "molestation of butterflies" is punishable by law and carries a $1000 fine.

Related Tags

Animals Wildlife Sanctuaries Natural Wonders Nature

Know Before You Go

The Sanctuary is located amongst small housing and hotel developments, with parking available near the school along Ridge Road to the east and along Grove Avenue to the west.

Community Contributors

Added By

Facebook1513682660

Edited By

James Ricci, shaunk82, RoadtripRandy

  • James Ricci
  • shaunk82
  • RoadtripRandy

Published

May 22, 2010

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Sources
  • http://www.pgmuseum.org/category/topics-interest/butterflies
  • http://www.monarch-butterfly.com
  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monarch_butterfly
Monarch Grove Sanctuary
250 Ridge Rd
(behind the Butterfly Grove Inn)
Pacific Grove, California, 93950
United States
36.626434, -121.930245
Visit Website
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Nearby Places

Point Pinos Lighthouse

Pacific Grove, California

miles away

Kissing Rock

Pacific Grove, California

miles away

Pacific Grove Butterfly House

Pacific Grove, California

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Pacific Grove

Pacific Grove

California

Places 4

Nearby Places

Point Pinos Lighthouse

Pacific Grove, California

miles away

Kissing Rock

Pacific Grove, California

miles away

Pacific Grove Butterfly House

Pacific Grove, California

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Pacific Grove

Pacific Grove

California

Places 4

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