About Journey North's 1995 Spring Monarch Migration Study

Map the Monarchs
Journey North's 2nd Annual
Spring Monarch Migration Project

Get ready!
You're invited to take part in an international science project with students and scientists across North America. This spring we'll create a live map of the monarch butterflies' dramatic migration from Mexico and advance the understanding of this spectacular natural phenomenon.

Millions and Millions of Monarchs
Every year, monarch butterflies return to eastern North America after spending the winter concentrated by the millions in a handful of small mountain sanctuaries west of Mexico City. They flew up to 2,500 miles to get there last fall and have survived since November in forest sanctuaries that serve as a blanket and umbrella against cold and rain. With just a few weeks left to live, they're about to begin their journey north.

They're On Their Way!
An announcement of the butterflies' grand exodus from Mexico (usually about the time of the spring equinox in March) will alert an electronic network of observers that the monarchs are on their way. From Mexico to Canada hundreds of people are prepared to report the FIRST monarch they see this season. Live reports will arrive from March until June; First from Texas, then at points further and further north until they finally reach the Canadian Provinces. When the trip ends in June it will have spanned two monarch generations.

Science and Celebration
In a unique partnership, students and scientists will work together to gather, organize and analyze data about this fascinating event. They'll explore how wind and weather effect the journey, they'll discover the routes the monarchs take and the risks they face along the way. They'll learn about conservation needs on the wintering grounds and at points along the path. Perhaps most importantly, they'll celebrate the return of this delicate sign of spring as it moves across the continent and gain an understanding of global ecological systems. In the words of one participating teacher:

"My students suddenly saw the connection between the backyard butterfly, spring temperatures and the distant country of Mexico. They were able to spring temperatures and the distant country of Mexico. They were able to see how fragile nature is, and that all living things are interconnected."

How to Participate
Beginning on March 15th, 1995 you can access this project in the following ways:

  1. Migration Updates:

    E-mail: To subscribe, send an E-mail message to: majordomo@informns.k12.mn.us

    In the body of the message write, "subscribe jn_news_monarch"

    Gopher: All migration updates will be archived in this section of the Journey North Gopher Menu.

  2. To Report Your Own Observations Send a report of the FIRST monarch you see to us at:

    jn_monarch@informns.k12.mn.us
Remember, you must watch for monarchs regularly for your observation to have significance.
jnorth@informns.k12.mn.us