Monarchs Return to Goleta in Greater Numbers

The return of more than 15,000 monarch butterflies to their groves in Goleta strengthened the hope that the monarch’s population is increasing. But to keep that trend going, nearby gardeners are asked to eliminate milkweed in areas where the butterflies remain for the winter.

After what seemed to be a hopeless 10-year plight, monarch numbers were higher this year, but concerns for a potential drop in the future were not diminished. “For the casual observer, an increase in interest has arisen, but for those who have been dedicated to the return of the butterflies, they are still at a shocking value,” said George Thomson, who manages the park and open space at Ellwood Mesa. In 2011, the monarch population at Ellwood was 70,000, an enormous difference from this year’s migration.

Thomson said the problem was not unique to Santa Barbara because of issues related to climate. The overarching drought affects their likelihood to return as eucalyptus trees are not providing the proper nutrients or microclimate for the monarchs to survive the winter.