In September, the Butler County Conservation District proudly hosts an annual Monarch Butterfly Tagging Event, which was a tremendous success in 2025! Over 60 enthusiastic participants came together to tag an impressive 200 butterflies, contributing to an essential initiative for these remarkable creatures. This year’s event will likely be in late September depending on the arrival of the Monarch Butterflies heading south for the winter. For additional details please contact the Butler County Conservation District by phone at 316-320-3549.

Known for its extraordinary multi-generational migration from warm wintering sites in central Mexico to the cooler climate in Canada in the summer, the Monarch Butterfly is a wonder of nature. The Monarch Butterfly’s migration is unique because it spans several generations to complete the round trip between Mexico and Canada. Unlike most migratory species, no single Monarch makes the entire journey. Instead, the butterflies travel north in the spring, laying eggs along the way. These eggs hatch into caterpillars, becoming the next generation of butterflies. Each new generation continues the migration, moving further north until summer.

In the fall, a special “super generation” emerges—these butterflies are physically adapted to fly thousands of miles south to Mexico, where they overwinter. This remarkable cycle means that the Monarch’s migration is truly multi-generational, relying on successive generations to complete the journey and ensure the survival of the species. However, the Monarch Butterflies face significant challenges during this lengthy migration. Over the past few decades, habitat loss and degradation have led to a concerning decline in Monarch populations across the United States.

A critical aspect of the Monarch's life cycle is its reliance on milkweed for laying eggs. As Monarch Butterflies navigate their migration routes, they require milkweed and other flowering, nectar-rich plants at the correct times. Caterpillars depend on milkweed for nourishment, while adult butterflies rely on the nectar from milkweed and other blooming plants to fuel their journeys. Unfortunately, the availability of this vital plant has significantly decreased over the last 20 years, mainly due to declines in native plant species and changing agricultural practices.

In Kansas, the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is actively partnering with agricultural producers to counter this trend by restoring milkweed and other nectar-rich plants on private lands. Kansas lies along critical migration and breeding routes for Monarchs, making it an essential area for conservation efforts.

Milkweed not only serves as a lifeline for Monarch butterflies but also benefits other essential pollinators, such as honeybees, which play a vital role in agricultural productivity. Additionally, milkweed provides habitat for beneficial insects that help control harmful pests, contributing to a balanced ecosystem.

Annual Monarch Butterfly tagging events, such as the one hosted by the Butler County Conservation District, help researchers determine whether habitat restoration and preservation efforts are positively impacting the Monarch’s population. NRCS conservation practices that support Monarchs also offer broader benefits. They help reduce soil erosion, enhance soil health, manage invasive species, and provide high-quality forage for livestock, all while improving the resilience and productivity of agricultural enterprises.

To support landowners, NRCS offers both technical and financial assistance to help manage Monarch habitats on farms, ranches, and forests. This assistance equips producers with the necessary tools to plan and implement various conservation activities that benefit not only Monarch butterflies but also a variety of wildlife species.

Together, we can support the Monarch Butterfly and nurture these beautiful insects while enriching our ecosystems and agricultural landscapes. Let’s embrace this opportunity to contribute positively to our environment and help the Monarch Butterflies complete their incredible multi-generational migration.
More Information

To learn more about NRCS programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Producers can also apply for NRCS programs, manage conservation plans and contracts, and view and print conservation maps by logging into their farmers.gov account. If you don’t have an account, sign up today.