Species spotlight!

The monarch butterfly, Danaus plexippus, is an iconic insect known for their remarkable migration from Canada and the United States to Mexico every fall. During their route, they pass through Western North Carolina along the Blue Ridge Mountains. They can be seen at the Orchard at Altapass in their butterfly garden and inside the store where they are raised from caterpillars. Monarchs are reliant on native wildflowers for nectar and milkweed for the caterpillars to consume. Planting native species, especially milkweed, provides the essential resources and fuel for this species’ symbolic journey.