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Butterfly Preserve
updated: Nov 27, 2010, 8:45 AM
By Edhat Subscribers
(Ed note: Information for the following Edhat Tourist Attraction was developed by the cumulative knowledge of the Edhat community. Photos were taken by subscriber AJ Skiles, and website commenters shared directions, link to information about the monarch migration, and other info. All we did was edit it and write an intro. Thank you to all who participated in the true spirit of Edhat.)
Each winter, a monarch migration makes its way to the peaceful eucalyptus groves on Goleta's Ellwood Mesa. Tucked behind a residential development on preserved open space, the giant eucalypti provide shade and security for the delicate butterflies as they winter in the Coronado Butterfly Preserve, curated by the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County, and the Ellwood Main Monarch Grove. Visiting the preserve and grove is free. More information about the Land Trust and its stewardship of the Coronado Preserve can be found here.
It's a short walk from parking in nearby residential neighborhood to see the preserve and main grove. After times of heavy rainfall the trails can be muddy or even flooded, so exercise caution. Wear appropriate footwear for a walk or hike. Wheelchairs and strollers are not recommended. When you arrive at the grove, its serene atmosphere is overwhelming. You might hear waves crashing on the beach just a short distance away, or a sea lion barking from an ocean buoy. You won't want to hear the sound of your own voice.
 Why they are there: Just like your snowbird relatives who head for Arizona or Florida each winter, the monarchs are fleeing cold temperatures. They winter in places that stay relatively warm, so Goleta, where it rarely frosts, is perfect for them. The butterflies can travel up to 3,000 miles for their winter respite and they always return to the same places.
Other known wintering locations include Natural Bridges State Beach near Santa Cruz, Monarch Grove Sanctuary in Pacific Grove, Pismo State Beach and Morro Bay State Park in San Luis Obispo County and further south, Michoacan, Mexico. Of the California coastal groves, though, Ellwood is considered the premiere monarch destination. See more information about all of the wintering sites right here.
When the coldest winter months have passed, they'll head home once more.
When they are there: Typically beginning to arrive in November with full departure by March, the usual peak season for the monarchs to be at the Ellwood grove is in December and January. This year they seem to have arrived early, with large numbers easily visible in mid-November.
Another tip: get there earlier in the morning as the butterflies are waking up and still clinging to the leaves. If you time it right you'll be there to see them start to take off.
How to get there: From downtown Santa Barbara:
Get on US 101 going northbound.
Take the Storke Rd. exit.
Exit and turn left.
At Hollister turn right.
Coronado Drive is one street past Entrance, which is prominently marked. Turn left.
Park near the end. There is a hill with a big display sign at the bottom with information about the butterflies. That is where you start!
What else to do there: Ellwood Mesa is a great place to take a leisurely nature walk. There are several miles of trails, and by heading toward the ocean you will end up at a beautiful stretch of unblemished beach. To the south will be Coal Oil Point and the snowy plover reserve. To the north is the Bacara Resort. Either direction is equally interesting for several hours of wandering.
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