Massachusetts Butterfly Club

A 2018 University of Chicago study about captive Monarchs and migration prompted numerous articles in the spring and summer of 2019. This Youtube presentation by Rich Lund explains the study, its conclusions, and the mysteries that still remain.

Watch a Monarch caterpillar hatching out of the egg.
     Video produced by Veronica Martin,
        Great Barrington, August 2020.

For butterflies in general, survival of egg to adult in the wild has been estimated to be about 2% to 8%. For many species, certainly including Monarch butterflies, there are many human activities that continue to be threats to butterfly populations.

However, whether it be for educational purposes, or for enjoyment, or to be fortunate enough to witness the miracle of metamorphosis, or for wanting to give a little bit back to the world, there are individuals and groups of people who care enough about Monarch butterflies to find eggs or caterpillars in the wild, to nurture caterpillars, to insure the safety of the chrysalises, and to release the butterflies back into the wild. These individuals and groups will be recognized as Monarch Guardians.

This program is specific to eggs or caterpillars found in the wild and later released as adults back into the wild.

Monarch Guardians will be listed on the Monarch Guardian Honor Roll on this website, and will receive a personalized certificate.

If you are finding Monarch eggs or caterpillars, or if someone has given them to you to raise or has given you Monarch chrysalises to care for, and you have released Monarch butterflies back into the wild, you are eligible to be a Monarch Guardian.

Once you’ve released one or more Monarch butterflies, please send me the following information:
** Name(s) to appear on the Honor Roll Listing and Certificate (for children and anyone else who wants to, please indicate age or age range)
** Town where your are raising Monarchs
** Address for mailing the certificate
Additional details (where you found eggs/caterpillars, where released, etc.) are helpful but not necessary.

Your information will be added to the
        Monarch Guardian Honor Roll for 2020
and a Monarch Guardian Certificate will be sent to you.

Click on links below to see honor roll from prior years.
             Monarch Guardian Honor Roll for 2019.
             Monarch Guardian Honor Roll for 2018.
             Monarch Guardian Honor Roll for 2017.
             Monarch Guardian Honor Roll for 2016.
             Monarch Guardian Honor Roll for 2015.
             Monarch Guardian Honor Roll for 2014.
             Monarch Guardian Honor Roll for 2013.
             Monarch Guardian Honor Roll for 2012.
             Monarch Guardian Honor Roll for 2011.