Monarch Conservation Program
Our Monarch Conservation Program takes a multi-faceted approach to saving this resilient pollinator, the monarch butterfly. The program, engages in conservation and mobilizes communities with habitat projects while encouraging independent stewardship through education and hands-on workdays. We are working to support all pollinators, with a heavy focusing on the near threatened monarch butterfly. Currently we are working to restore the migration corridor on the Front Range, Eastern Plains, Four Corners Region, and in the Arkansas Valley by forming new partnerships and working with landowners.
Get free milkweed seeds!
2025 Monarch Habitat Project is Complete!
On November 1st, we completed our habitat restoration project for the monarch butterfly and other local pollinators. The project was done on around 2 acres of private-business land outside of Salida, CO at the base of Mt. Shavano.
Over 25 hours went into this project over the course of 3 weeks with just a small handful of volunteers. The work done was invasive weed removal and native seed sowing. The seeds planted were 3 different types of native milkweed (predominantly showy milkweed), and other native wildflowers like Colorado's state flower, the Rocky Mountain Columbine, penstemons, bee plant, and more!
Head to our Instagram to see all the video updates on the project and learn more! Also on YouTube.
NEW projects for 2026 are currently being planned. Stay tuned for more details this spring!
Work with Us
Currently open to landowners in Colorado
Are you a landowner? Do you have a large amount of space available for pollinator habitat?
Are you interested in conservation, biodiversity, and healthy ecosystems?
Restored Lands is looking to partner with people like you! We are seeking private and public landowners that have a considerable amount of space in the monarch butterflies migration corridor and would like to support our conservation efforts.
What is Happening to the Monarch Butterfly
This initiative aims to help restore the monarch butterfly for both eastern and western populations. Restored Lands is planting monarch waystations and encouraging communities to to do same. This conservation program also offers a free seed give-away, advocacy, educational talks on workdays, collaboration efforts with locals, businesses and partnering nonprofits.
What's Going On
The monarch is due to be extinct by 2080 and the US Fish and Wildlife Service is officially calling on the public to help restore their drastically declining numbers.
By 2080 there is a 90% chance the monarch species may be gone from the face of the Earth. This butterfly is not your average pollinator as its most notable for its exceptional and unparalleled migration.
The western population overwinters in California, while the eastern population in Mexico.
During this migration, the monarch experiences many hardships that continue to get worse and have defined the decline of this spectacular species.
The persistent use of toxic chemicals like pesticides, the ever-growing threat of climate change, decimation of natural ecosystems through urbanization and reckless development, and the threat to overwintering sites in Mexico due to legal & illegal logging operations are at the fore-front of this population collapse.
While these consequences may be caused by industry, they are the result of our great disconnect with nature, however, we can start to turn this around with action and awareness. See how you can help...
How You Can Help
Work with Restored Lands
Are you a landowner? Do you have a large amount of space available for pollinator habitat?
Are you interested in conservation, biodiversity, and healthy ecosystems?
Restored Lands is looking to partner with people like you! We are seeking private and public landowners that have a considerable amount of space in the monarch's migration corridor and would like to support this effort.
Additionally, locals of the Arkansas Valley (Salida & BV areas), Restored Lands invites you this season, to provide space for a monarch butterfly habitat. We will fund the project and use volunteers to plant milkweed and native pollinator flowers in an agreed upon area in the fall. Private landowners are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity!
Corporate Social Responsibility opportunities also an option for local businesses.
All project requests subject to approval.
Plant Your Own Habitat
If you have some land you are fortunate to call your own, consider creating your own habitat! You'll need do the region-specific research for all necessary things that will make your effort a success. You can also start with our article here. Look for the migration map and start there!
The biggest thing to be stressed –aside from a qualified site– is using native plants and milkweed. This will not only give the pollinators a proper & sustainable garden, but will reduce the possibility for invasive species and other issues, while providing the monarch's exclusive diet, milkweed.
If you're having trouble buying seeds or would like to support us, feel free to take advantage of our free seed offering running through the fall!
Educate Your Friends!
Talk to your friends and family, let them know the major points, but be sure not to overwhelm them. The less involved people are, the easier it can be to turn them away, so start small and engage as necessary.
Be sure to mention:
1. The species has a scheduled extinction date: 2080
2. Causes are due to:
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Pesticide use in farming/gardening
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Land development and urbanization/urban sprawl
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Climate change is throwing off the natural growth and abundance of resources as well as migration patterns, even breeding
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Loss of overwintering sites from logging and urbanization.
3. Invite them to follow in your footsteps as an advocator and habitat creator.
4. Remember instead of filling people with facts, try to help them understand why these things are damaging and the importance of taking action.
Enjoy Your Work
Spend time in your garden, appreciate the work you've done for the pollinators and for yourself. Learn about the different plants you have planted, watch them grow with the season and connect with this new source of life and regrowth you have brought into the word.
Your work is done. Believe it or not, each and every one of us participating in a brighter future is influencing the way even the ones who aren't concerned with it are impacted. Your contribution is one to us all, people and planet, and that deserves a big thank you.
Habitat Project Upcoming Events
Join us for our fall '25 habitat project in Salida, CO! Volunteer for our site prep day and/or the seed sowing day below!
No events at the moment
Articles by Restored Lands
Free Milkweed Seeds
We are giving out free seed packets to anyone interested in planting a monarch habitat! You will get some milkweed, anywhere from 1-3 species, as well as some other monarch favorites.
If you'd like to participate, it is completely free! However, if these free programs are something you enjoy & find value in, consider adding a donation so we can keep stuff like this going for everybody!
Restored Lands is running a free seed offering through planting season. We will send monarch butterfly & pollinator seeds to participants and hold no liability after seeds are sent. This is a no strings attached offering to the public. 2025's seeds are sourced from Everwilde Farms.
Monarch Butterfly Habitat Sign Up Arkansas Valley only –– Registration Now Open!
Locals of the Arkansas Valley (Salida & BV areas), Restored Lands invites you this season, to provide space for a monarch butterfly habitat. We will fund the project and use volunteers to plant milkweed and native nectar plants in an agreed upon area. Private landowners and eligible local business owners are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity! Planting begins in fall.
