Field Trip: Monarchs at Natural Bridges

We're going a little further afield for this trip! From the park's website:

"Natural Bridges is home to one of the largest monarch

butterfly over-wintering sites in California. Each fall, the

migratory butterflies arrive on the coast from across the

western United States to seek sanctuary from the winter’s

cold. They roost in the monarch preserve from October to

mid-February, with the greatest numbers from November

to mid-December.

The monarchs cluster in rings of trees, intertwining their

legs to avoid being dislodged from their companions

by the wind and rain. With their tan undersides, the

clusters resemble clumps of dead leaves. When the air

temperature rises above 55 degrees, the butterflies burst

from their clusters, floating through the trees and into the

surrounding area in search of flower nectar and dew."

We will gather at the visitor center between 1 and 2pm, then take a docent-led tour through the monarch grove, beginning at 2pm. 2pm is also low tide, so we have the option to explore the nearby tide pools after seeing the monarchs!

This field trip will meet rain or shine, but cancel in the event of a storm that makes driving unsafe or conditions at the site too miserable. Light rain, or cold/damp weather will not cancel (and the monarchs will still be there!). Dress for the weather to have a good time!

Natural Bridges State Park Santa Cruz

Address to visitor center:

2531 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

About 1.5 hours driving from San Francisco