#21 Feb 2014 Monarchs and Missions

Monarch butterflies are fascinating with their brilliant colour and up to 2,000 mile migration. Once again we were in the right place, at the right time and asked the right questions.

All monarchs east of the Rockies spend winters in one location in Mexico. Monarchs who live west of the Rockies migrate to about 200 sites along the California coast, one of which is about 5 miles from here. We arrived to see orange specks all over the sky.

In this location, there may be up to 30,000 Monarch butterflies at their peak. At this time of year, most of them have started their return north so there were only about 2,000 flitting about. Look carefully at this tree.

When the weather is cool or windy the butterflies cluster on a tree for protection. The brown underside of the wings blends into the tree.

The butterflies mate on the ground then the male carries the female high into a tree where they stay for 8 hours to complete their mission.

Around the world queen butterflies only lay eggs on plants in the milkweed family. The caterpillars eat the milkweed leaves and stems and become poisonous to predators. When the caterpillars turn into butterflies, they are still poisonous thus providing a natural defense system. This milkweed has a caterpillar on the stem.

Authorized by the Spanish crown, Franciscan padres established missions across California. Founded in 1804, Santa Ines Mission gives a glimpse into the life of the padres and their goal to teach the native (Chumash) population Christianity, Spanish culture and a trade. This would support and protect Spanish California from the Russians and English. With updated pews and maintenance by the Mission, this Catholic Church has been in continuous use since 1804. Over 200 years!

One third the original size, today’s garden is ornamental and peaceful but from 1804 to 1834 it was the centre of activity for a large ranching operation.