It’s getting chiller, isn’t it? Winter is coming, and we are not the only ones that feel it. Monarch butterflies are leaving for a warmer place! They fly south each fall to spend their winters in a warmer climate because they cannot survive in the Colorado winter temperatures. Monarchs are currently getting ready for their long journey.
They begin to migrate north in March. Once they reach Colorado, they will lay their eggs only on the underside of milkweed leaves. Take a look around you. Do you see milkweed plants? They are tall with long, light green leaves and large oval seed pods. If you were to rip a leaf, a milky substance would leak out. Be careful…that substance is poisonous to humans! However, the larvae (or caterpillar) are able to metabolize the milkweed’s toxins making both the caterpillar and monarch butterfly poisonous to most vertebrates.
Walk towards the Nature Center parking lot and find your way back to your campsite.
This is the end of our walk. However, the park has more to offer! Plan a nice family picnic in the day-use area, rent watercraft from the Watercraft Rentals Station for a fun day out on the water or visit the Nature Center to rent a FREE Nature Exploration Pack and/or binoculars. We hope you have enjoyed your walk through Standley Lake Regional Park and Wildlife Refuge!
