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Santa Cruz, California
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Every year, Monarch Butterflies migrate over 2,000 miles from as far as Canada to the Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve in Santa Cruz, California, to escape the cold winters.
The eucalyptus trees in the preserve provide a perfect microclimate, offering shelter and warmth for the butterflies during the winter months.
The population of Monarch Butterflies has been decreasing due to habitat loss and climate change, making conservation efforts at places like the Santa Cruz preserve crucial.
While most Monarch Butterflies live for only a few weeks, the generation that migrates to Santa Cruz can live up to eight months.
During the winter, Monarch Butterflies cluster together on tree branches, sometimes forming groups of thousands, to conserve heat and energy.
Scientists tag Monarch Butterflies to track their migration patterns and gather data on their journey to and from Santa Cruz.
