Published: 03/01/2022

Dear friends,

As we approach the end of winter, local farmers prepare the soil trilling steep hills for corn planting. The planting of corn, an important crop in our indigenous culture, marks the beginning of the spring.

Local visitors crowd the sanctuaries during the weekends while visitors from North America, Europe and Asia, visit during the weekdays. 

We hear in a mixture of languages: Monarchs, Nature, Mankind.

A rather mild winter with fewer and less intense rain, with some frost and sleet, has made this season different than previous seasons. Regardless, we approach the end of the monarch overwintering season in our of Oyamel fir forests.

Now, monarchs will break from their colonies to relocate nearby but clearly moving north. The monarchs wrap tree trunks. They form large “pools” on the ground while enjoying the warm sun rays. Occasionally, monarchs will explode into action with the warming light and temperatures.

Not many monarchs have perished on the ground which seems to be below normal standards but single, monarchs with torn wings sometimes without abdomens carpet the floor.

On cloudy and chilly days mating is slowed. This will change as days turn warmer.

Monarchs end their overwintering phase and awake as the spring approaches.

We excitedly await to hear of the numbers reached in population this season.

Estela Romero

Angangueo, Michoacán, México.

Note to our readers: This article has been edited from the original English version for clarity and readability.

Read the Spanish version of Estela Romero's letter»