The Western Monarch Needs Our Help

The Western Monarch butterfly population, which migrates west of the Rocky Mountains and traditionally overwinters along California’s coast, is facing an unprecedented conservation crisis. After decades of decline, the population remains at historically low levels, raising serious concerns about the long-term stability of the western migration. The 2025 Western Monarch Count recorded approximately 12,260 monarchs across 249 overwintering sites—the third-lowest count since the annual survey began in 1997. The previous year’s count was only 9,119. By comparison, Western Monarchs numbered in the millions during the 1980s.

A Migration at Risk

Western Monarchs are an important part of North America's extraordinary natural heritage. Each year, they move across the western landscape, relying on suitable breeding habitat, nectar plants, and overwintering sites along the California coast. The increasingly small population leaves the migration more vulnerable to drought, habitat loss, extreme weather, pesticides, disease, and other environmental pressures.

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's current species assessment estimates that the probability of extinction for the western monarch population exceeds 95% by 2080 under modeled scenarios. The agency has proposed listing the monarch butterfly as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, along with proposed critical habitat at portions of its California coastal overwintering grounds. As of 2026, the federal listing remains a proposal rather than a final protection.

Habitat Loss Is a Major Challenge

Monarchs need habitat throughout their migration—not just at their wintering sites. Native milkweed is especially important because it is the host plant monarch caterpillars require to develop. Adult monarchs also depend on abundant nectar-producing flowers for energy.

As development, agriculture, invasive plants, and other land-use changes reduce natural habitat, monarchs have fewer places to feed and reproduce. Protecting existing habitat and creating new patches of native milkweed and nectar plants can help reconnect these fragmented landscapes. Conservation organizations such as the Xerces Society actively promote habitat restoration and the use of regionally appropriate native plants.

Native Milkweed Can Also Be Water-Wise

For gardeners in the Desert Southwest, planting native milkweed offers an opportunity to combine monarch conservation with responsible water use. Many Southwestern milkweed species are naturally adapted to intense heat, drought, and seasonal rainfall. Once established in the right location, they can become valuable components of low-water, pollinator-friendly landscapes.

Rather than planting a non-native species simply because it grows quickly, choose a milkweed naturally suited to your local climate, elevation, soil, and moisture conditions. Native plants generally offer the best ecological fit while helping create landscapes designed around the realities of the Southwest.

Every Garden Can Help

You don't need acres of land to contribute to monarch conservation. A backyard garden, community garden, schoolyard, or small planting area can provide another stepping stone of habitat. Planting native milkweed, adding nectar-rich native flowers, minimizing pesticide use, and providing appropriate habitat can collectively make a meaningful difference.

Community science is another way to help. Monarch sightings and observations contribute valuable information about where butterflies are traveling and breeding. Organizations and agencies encourage the public to participate in monarch monitoring and habitat conservation efforts.

Plant Native. Save Water. Support Monarchs.

The Western Monarch migration is at a critical point. The latest counts show that this population cannot be taken for granted, and conservation action is increasingly urgent. Growing native milkweed and other regionally appropriate, drought-tolerant plants gives gardeners a practical way to support monarch habitat while creating beautiful, water-wise landscapes.

Plant for the butterflies. Plant for the desert. Plant for the future of the Western Monarch.