Skip to main content

Main navigation

Projects
News
Report Observation
Explore Data
Maps
About

Gallery: Citizen Science Monarch Butterfly Migration

Breadcrumb

Home
Monarch Butterfly Migration & Milkweed Phenology Project
Monarch Resources
Gallery: Citizen Science Monarch Butterfly Migration

Citizen Science

Tracking Monarch Butterfly Migration

Citizen science involves everyday people in the process of scientific research. Across North America, citizen scientists contribute sightings of monarch butterflies each fall and spring. They report migrating monarchs, monarch eggs, monarch larvae and the first milkweed of spring. They report migrating monarchs, monarch eggs, monarch larvae and the first milkweed of spring.

When you report your own observations to real-time migration maps, you contribute information that can be used for scientific research. Citizen scientists expand the possibilities for understanding and discovery.

Backyard observations help scientists explore how monarchs respond to weather, climate and the changing seasons. This information reveals interconnections in nature, and how changes can affect ecosystems.

Journey North keeps monarch butterfly sightings in a permanent database. Each sighting becomes a part of the historical record. Over time, this long-term data reveals patterns and trends.

As you monitor your own habitat, you become a local expert. Year after year, you can add observations and continue to make discoveries.

Each observer is a valuable part of Journey North's team of citizen scientists. Each sighting becomes part of a bigger picture about monarchs and their migration. What observations and discoveries will you contribute from your part of the world?

Companion Resources

Citizen Science: Monarch Butterfly Migration

Teaching Suggestions

Teaching Suggestions: Citizen Science Monarch Butterfly Migration

Logo of University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum

About

Contact

Accessibility

Privacy

Terms of Use Policy

Logo of Annenberg Learner, founding sponsor of Journey North

Website feedback, questions or accessibility issues: admin@journeynorth.org.

© 1997 – 2025 Journey North. All rights reserved.