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Launched by �첥��Ƶ General Superintendent Carlos Ramirez-Rosa at the April 12, 2025 Park Advisory Council Conference, Project Monarch is a citywide initiative to conserve and celebrate monarch butterflies and their habitats. The eastern monarch population, which migrates through the Midwest, has been severely impacted by habitat loss, pesticide use, rising temperatures, and altered weather patterns. This population has declined by approximately 80% since the 1980s. Through community science, education, habitat restoration, and community gatherings, Project Monarch invites residents and visitors of all ages to contribute to monarch conservation and connect with nature in the parks.

About Monarchs

Each year, monarch butterflies travel as far as 3,000 miles each way to summer in the United States and Canada and to winter in Mexico. The longest recorded flight by a monarch was 265 miles in one day! In the spring and summer, the butterflies lay their eggs on the underside of milkweed leaves, the only plant their caterpillars will eat. From egg to caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly, their life cycle is closely tied to native habitats. Natural areas in Chicago play a key role in their survival. The monarch is also a powerful symbol of cultural identity, transformation, and resilience. It has become an important metaphor for Mexican immigrants: symbolizing freedom and hope, the butterfly follows a similar migratory route.

About Natural Areas

Throughout Chicago, our parks are filled with nature. Approximately 2,000 acres of natural areas provide critical habitat for local and migratory wildlife. Natural areas encompass a rich diversity of ecosystem types, ranging from prairies and savannas to woodlands, wetlands, rivers, lakes, and dunes. They help manage stormwater, reduce heat, and improve air and water quality. They are public green spaces for people to connect and recreate outdoors. Natural areas also support physical and mental well-being, offer outdoor learning opportunities, and reflect Chicago’s unique ecological and cultural heritage. By conserving monarchs, we also create a healthier, more sustainable city for people and for nature.

What You Can Do

Small actions add up. Whether planting native plants in your yard, sharing your wildlife sightings, or volunteering in your local park, everyone can make a difference. Here's how to get started:

1. EXPLORE
   Visit your local natural area or discover a new one and go for a hike! Take photos of monarchs, milkweeds, and other wildlife and share it to the . Your observations will help researchers and park managers better understand and protect urban nature. See what everyone has found at our project:
    
2. RESTORE
   All year long, anyone can join a Community Stewardship Day to help with habitat restoration at natural areas across the city. Activities can include invasive plant removal, native plantings, litter pickup, trail mulching, as well as nature-based recreation like birding and plant identification walks. Find the full list of events here: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/get-involved/volunteer/natural-areas-community-stewardship-days 
    
3. GROW
   Community gardens are blooming across the city and many of them have a focus on native plants. Find a community garden near you or learn more about starting a new one in your park: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/community-garden 
    
4. CELEBRATE
   Attend Monarch Palooza at North Park Village Nature Center on August 23, 2025 (10AM–3PM)
   The �첥��Ƶ invites patrons to the annual Monarch Palooza festival, which celebrates the monarch butterfly, while educating attendees about the conservation and biology of the beloved creature. The celebration will feature all-ages art and science activities, live music, and guided hikes through the preserve. Registration is not required. 
    

5. PLANT
   Did you receive a �첥��Ƶ milkweed seed packet at the 2025 Park Advisory Council Conference? Scatter the seeds at your home, garden, or one of the natural areas suggested below. There are options for every corner of the city:

   • Big Marsh Natural Area
   • Burnham Wildlife Corridor
   • Columbus Park Natural Area
   • Diversey Natural Area in Lincoln Park
   • Foster Beach Dunes in Lincoln Park
   • Jane Addams Memorial Natural Area
   • Marquette Park Natural Area
   • North Park Village Nature Center
   • Park 601 “Dunning Read” Natural Area
   • Steelworkers Park Natural Area
   • Washington Park Natural Area
      

     For best results to plant your home or garden, start your milkweed seeds indoors to later plant outside by early summer. Be sure to water regularly: even native plants appreciate some help getting started. If spreading the seeds in a Park District natural area, scatter the seeds (no digging please) in the spring or fall in one of the approved locations above. 

     Please do not plant or scatter seeds in parks unless you are participating in an approved �첥��Ƶ activity such as the Monarch Project. Unapproved planting, even with good intentions, can disrupt habitat restoration efforts, introduce invasive species, and have other unintended consequences. We appreciate your support in keeping our natural areas thriving!
      

6. LEARN
   Interested in learning even more about monarchs, natural areas, and conservation? Check out these resources:

• �첥��Ƶ: 
• Feature Creature:
   (print-friendly 2-page PDF)
• Getting started with iNaturalist:
  (iOS, Android, and web)
• Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation: 
• Budburst:
• Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum:  

Thank you for helping our park natural areas thrive and support monarchs!