Monarch Butterfly Migration Underway Through Central Illinois
As fall commences, Monarch butterflies are currently migrating through Central Illinois on their annual journey to Mexico. Kristi Shoemaker of the Peoria Park District has observed adult Monarchs, as well as their offspring in caterpillar and chrysalis stages, at the Tawny Oaks Visitors Center in Edelstein over the past few weeks. These younger Monarchs, if they develop before a cold snap, will join the migration south. The prairies at Tawny Oaks are crucial, providing not only Milkweed but also Goldenrod and Asters, which are essential food sources for the butterflies' reproduction and long journey. The Monarchs' fall migration typically begins in August, passes through the central U.S. in September and October, and reaches Mexico by late October to early November. This extensive journey requires several generations of Monarchs to complete.
