Monarch Grove Sanctuary facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Monarch Grove Sanctuary |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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A monarch butterfly at the sanctuary
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 Monarch Grove Sanctuary
Location in California
Monarch Grove Sanctuary
Location in the United States
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| Location | 250 Ridge Rd, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 |
| Area | 2.696 acres (1.091 ha) |
| Established | 1992 |
| Governing body | City of Pacific Grove |
The Monarch Grove Sanctuary is a special place in Pacific Grove, California. It is like a safe home for thousands of monarch butterflies that travel here each year. These amazing butterflies arrive in October to spend the winter. Many dedicated volunteers help take care of this important nature preserve. During the winter of 2022-2023, between 12,000 and 16,000 butterflies found shelter here. This made it one of the largest monarch wintering spots in California.
How the Sanctuary Was Created
The land where the sanctuary now stands once belonged to a hotel company. Later, a local woman named Edna Dively bought it. She opened the Butterfly Grove Inn, which is still a place where people can stay today.
At one point, there were plans to build more things on this land. However, local nature lovers, led by Ro Vaccaro, wanted to protect this important butterfly habitat. They worked hard to save the area.
In 1990, the people of Pacific Grove voted to create a special tax. This tax helped raise money to buy the land for the sanctuary. The city worked with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to make this happen. The land was officially bought in 1992, creating the Monarch Grove Sanctuary we know today.
What Makes Monarch Grove Special?
The monarch butterflies that spend winter at this sanctuary are quite special. Most monarch butterflies live for only about four to five weeks. But the ones that migrate here can live for up to six months after they become adults! This longer lifespan helps them survive the winter and then fly back north in the spring.
It is very important to protect these delicate creatures. Touching the butterflies is not allowed and can result in a large fine. This rule helps keep the butterflies safe and healthy.
The sanctuary is home to many different kinds of trees. You can find tall pine, cypress, and oak trees. There are also coast redwood and eucalyptus trees. Some specific types include the Monterey pine and the Monterey cypress. Many of the monarchs like to gather in a very thick group of blue gum eucalyptus trees. These particular eucalyptus trees were planted way back in 1917.
