As you prepare to send your monarch to Mexico, the following resources and activities may be helpful.
Resources
Where Do the Monarchs Go?
This map shows the 9 major monarch sanctuaries in Mexico, where all migratory monarchs east of the Rocky Mountains spend the winter! Look carefully at the map and see what you can learn about the monarchs' winter habitat. Find other maps of Mexico and s
ee if you can form a theory: Why do you suppose monarchs go to these sites? What seems to be unique about them?
How Far Will Your Monarch Travel?
Measure the distance between your home town and Mexico City. How many miles will your butterfly travel? What places will your butterfly cross on its way to Mexico? What does the monarch need along the route? Write a short story about your butterfly's jo
urney south, from a monarch's perspective.
When Do Monarchs Leave Your Area?
Keep a record of monarch sightings by students in your classroom this fall. When was the last monarch seen? Each week, take a walk outside and look for flowers. Keep track of the date you see the last goldenrod or other wild aster in bloom. When does
the first frost occur? What happens to the flowers? How does the date of first frost compare to the date the last monarch butterfly was seen?
Raise Real Monarchs
Raise monarchs in the classroom or tag real monarchs! Contact Monarch Watch for more information. Send e-mail to:
monarch@falcon.cc.ukans.edu or visit the WWW site at:
http://monarch.bio.ukans.edu/
Make a Monarch
How to Send Your Monarch
© Journey North 1996