(by Lindsay Herlihy)
The Monarch butterfly is a beautiful, charismatic species that is well-recognized by its bold black-and-orange coloration. Unfortunately, Monarchs have seen dramatic population declines since the early 1990s, leading to extensive conservation efforts across the U.S. But what can YOU do to help conserve Monarchs? This May, NH Audubon will be leading a three-part program series about how to create a “Monarch Waystation” in your own backyard. Waystations are patches of habitat containing native plantings to support Monarch butterflies through their full annual cycle. Such native plantings also have direct benefits to other pollinator species. With the support of NH Audubon staff, each participant in the program series will be coached through designing a Monarch Waystation that they can install in their own yard, neighborhood, or workplace.
The three sessions of this program will cover the following topics and activities:
Session 1 May 3, 2026 from 2-3pm: Overview of Monarch natural history and conservation, including:
- Life cycle
- Habitat requirements
- Seasonal migration
- Threats to Monarch populations
- Conservation strategies
NOTE: This session is classroom-based and will be held in the PSNH Room at the McLane Center. These facilities are accessible to people with all levels of mobility.
Session 2 May 10, 2026 from 2-3pm: Monarch Waystation tour
- Review life cycle and habitat requirements for each life stage
- Identify host plant species for larva
- Identify nectar plant species for adults
- Discuss nontarget benefits to native pollinators
- Explore garden design to maximize benefit to Monarchs
- Learn about garden maintenance schedule
NOTE: This session will primarily take place outdoors. We will meet in the PSNH room at the McLane Center before heading outside to explore the pollinator garden and meadow. All of the outdoor spaces we will explore contain accessible trails for people with all levels of mobility. Please plan to wear outdoor-appropriate clothing and footwear. Clipboards, writing utensils, handouts, and interpretive materials will be provided.
Session 3 May 17, 2026 from 2-3pm: Designing and planning the planting of your Monarch Waystation
- Review/reflect on garden visit experience, with a focus on main design elements
- Identify Monarch Waystation candidate site(s) in participant yards or in greater community
- Create a Waystation design
- Share resources for plant/seed sourcing, labor, maintenance
- Discuss how to register your Monarch Waystation with Monarch Watch
NOTE: This session will be a classroom-based, hands-on workshop located in the PSNH Room at the McLane Center. These facilities are accessible to people with all levels of mobility. Writing utensils, handouts, and interpretive materials will be provided.
Participants should plan to be available to attend all three sessions. To sign up for this program series, please visit our Events Calendar.