Greetings friends,

Updates From Sierra Chincua and El Rosario Sanctuaries

In Sierra Chincua and El Rosario Sanctuaries, our impressively resilient monarchs remain at locations they have occupied for weeks.

There is no change in the forecast. Temperatures will remain higher than usual for this time of year. This weather pattern appears to be widespread across México. It is now reaching the Oyamel fir forests located 10,000 feet in elevation. Usually, temperatures under the Oyamel canopy are cooler, just right for overwintering monarchs. Reported temperatures are the warmest and driest we have experienced during these winter months.

February and March could still bring winter effects, as has occurred in the past. We are all waiting to see if the weather changes.

There have been no signs of predation, mortality, or mating activity. The monarchs are still lively and remain in well-concentrated clusters in the Oyamel forests.

My Last Note About the Connections Between Monarchs and Water

The monarchs are an unequivocal sign of balance in our local ecosystem and an integral part of our culture in this region. The migration phenomenon itself continues to remind us how important the management of each aspect of the ecosystem is critical and will determine the future of the migratory phenomenon. The impressive network of drinking water met the needs of small settlements and towns around the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve from the 1930s to the 1980s. Today, due to rapid population growth as well as no public policies on the septic tank systems in our towns and communities, our water system is experiencing challenges.

Healthy water is a public health issue that impacts individuals and families. Healthy water is also needed by monarchs and other wildlife found in the region. Life in our region is connected to monarchs, monarch migration, and healthy water. We hope in the future the water will remain the source of life in the region for people and monarchs alike.

Estela Romero, Journey North

Angangueo, Michoacán, México

Read the Spanish version of Estela Romero’s letter»

[original submitted, 01/22/2023; edited by N Sheehan, 01/24/2023]