Monarch Butterflies Return to Napa Preserve After Decade-Long Restoration

The Sutro Preserve in Napa County has seen a return of monarch butterflies and milkweed, a native plant essential for their survival. The preserve was previously scarred by the Atlas Fire nearly 10 years ago.

Scientists from the Land Trust of Napa County have been monitoring the butterflies and plants since the fire. They have collected seeds, pulled invasive weeds, and worked with volunteers to expand patches of native milkweed and wildflowers in a 190-acre restoration area.

This year, they found about 20 monarch caterpillars and several adult butterflies using heartleaf milkweed in the restoration area. The discovery is seen as evidence that efforts to expand their habitat are paying off.