🎉 Fall migration is nearing Oklahoma and monarchs are starting their incredible journey south to overwintering grounds in Mexico. As they pass through Oklahoma, your observations can play a meaningful role in understanding and protecting this remarkable species.

💻 By reporting monarch sightings to 🧭 Journey North, you’re joining a community science effort that helps researchers monitor migration patterns, population trends, and changes in habitat use over time. These insights are vital for informing conservation strategies and ensuring monarchs have the resources they need along their route.

Here’s what you can report:

🌼 Adult monarchs in flight or feeding
🔍 Caterpillars or eggs on milkweed
🌳 Roosts of migrating monarchs at dusk or dawn

In Oklahoma, it’s anything but typical. A surprising early wave of monarchs shows up before the main migration—and they're still laying eggs. What’s going on? Dr. Emily Geest from the Oklahoma City Zoo sheds light on this mysterious "bonus generation" and how local gardens can make a big difference. 🌿🦋

Discover the surprising role the Southern Plains play in monarch migration.

Score a limited-edition Save the Monarchs tie-dye tee and help native pollinators thrive across Oklahoma! Each shirt you pre-order supports the Oklahoma Monarch Society (aka Okies for Monarchs) planting native flowers and milkweed across Oklahoma. 

🗓️ Pre-order ends September 30, 2025

🎬 Earlier this year, News 9’s Colby Thelen and photojournalist Darrell Vannostran joined the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, along with members and partners of the Oklahoma Monarch Society, on a powerful journey to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Mexico.

📉 With monarch populations in steep decline, their trip sheds light on the urgent, cross-border conservation efforts stretching from Oklahoma to Mexico — all aimed at protecting these iconic pollinators.

🎥 They captured one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles: the monarch butterfly migration. Along the way, they uncovered the people, projects, and passion driving the fight to save this fragile species.

Don’t miss this incredible story — and learn how you can help make a difference.

 Wednesday, September 10

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