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Journey South News: Fall 2010 Posted Thursdays: Aug. 26, Sep. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4....or weekly until the first monarchs arrive in Mexico!
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: September 9, 2010 Excitement filled the air this week. Cool temperatures arrived and people saw waves of monarchs leaving. "Monarchs are flying in from the east, over our garage, and heading out of sight toward the west," exclaimed one woman in Michigan. "We counted 150 in 45 minutes!" How many monarchs can you count in an hour? Find out how to compare the pace of migration in different places by using standard units of measurement.
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: September 2, 2010 "In the evening just before sundown, hundreds of monarchs were spotted flying between tree tops before settling down for the night." Monarchs rest during migration at overnight roosts, and people are delighted to discover them. Mapping the locations of these roosts can reveal the monarch's main migration pathways to Mexico. This week, find out what we know about this intriguing migration behavior, and the important role citizen scientists play in gathering information. Photo: Peter Rasberry
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: August 26, 2010 They're off! Flying, resting, and refueling, the monarchs are on their way to Mexico and excitement is in the air. Please watch for monarchs that are flying in "directional flight," resting at overnight roosts, or refueling at flowers in fields, gardens, or roadsides. We begin the season with a puzzle: what makes monarchs born at this time of year so special? Find out as you explore the highlights of the monarch's annual cycle. Photo: Pat Swerkstrom
	Welcome and Orientation Beginning Thursday, August 26th, weekly FALL MIGRATION UPDATES will be posted here every Thursday, from September to November. (See schedule above.) Get ready to track the migration to Mexico. Find out how to report your sightings and track the migration on real-time migration maps. More...
News: Spring 2010 Posted Thursdays: Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25, Apr. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20, 27, ...and weekly until the migration is complete!
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: June 3, 2010 Three months, two generations, three countries, three primary languages, and hundreds of miles. Look how far the monarchs have come! This week, take a month-by-month look at the migration and compare this year to past years. Also: Look at the holes on the monarch caterpillar. What do you suppose they are for?
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: May 27, 2010 Monarch sightings soared during the past week to a record-breaking high number, and the migration moved into Manitoba. How much farther north do you think the monarchs will migrate? Predict and hypothesize in your journal. Also this week: Look at a dozen butterfly eggs and describe one. How does your chosen egg compare to the monarch?
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: May 20, 2010 Monarchs, monarchs (almost) everywhere! An outbreak of sightings occurred during the past week in the Upper Midwest, and egg-laying was substantial. We welcome this burst in numbers every May, but this year especially. What other creatures inhabit the milkweed patch? This week, meet some of the monarch's neighbors and find out who their enemies are.
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: May 13, 2010 Freezing temperatures swept across the north this week and held the migration back, but kids caught monarchs moving into new territory on Monday. A different species of butterfly was also migrating in large numbers. Can you distinguish a monarch from a look-alike butterfly?
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: May 6, 2010 What a week! The new generation of monarchs appeared in full force and the migration expanded all the way into Canada. What caused the change? Look at last week's weather conditions in a process called "weather backtracking." Also this week, think about a monarch butterfly's senses and how they perceive the world. What senses lead a monarch to find milkweed in your garden?
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: April 29, 2010 It's the end of April and a time of anticipation. Why are observers watching butterfly wings closely? What information will the wings reveal? Also this week, find out what historical maps say about this spring's migration. Photo: Raul Gonzalez
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: April 22, 2010 Waiting and hoping...The next generation of monarchs is developing now and the monarchs from Mexico are reaching their final days. Consider the monarch's need for renewal on Earth Day. Where is habitat most important in the early spring? A pie chart reveals clues. Also this week: How does the monarch get out of its chrysalis? Take a close look!
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: April 15, 2010 Our northernmost monarch reached latitude 39N this week and monarchs were reported in five new states. Sightings from the Atlantic Coast may be revealing a new discovery about monarch migration. Also this week, can you name another species that eats nectar and travels where monarchs do? Photo: Bud Hensley
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: April 8, 2010 With south winds blowing out of Texas, the migration entered three new states in a single week. A new generation of monarchs is developing across Texas now. Predict when and where the first new butterflies will appear. Also, check out the stripes on monarch larvae and a surprising survival strategy. Photo: Carol Cullar
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: April 1, 2010 It's peak migration in Texas now, and the sudden increase in sightings is a welcome surprise. What do you think could explain the change? This week, tell us how your garden grows. Have you created habitat for monarchs at your school, home or in your community? Photo: Susan Matthews
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: March 25, 2010 The migration is crossing Texas now and appears to be entering Louisiana. With numbers low this spring, everybody is wondering what it will take for the population to recover. How does a population grow? This week, learn about the monarch's reproductive potential and explore the factors that can limit the population's size.
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: March 18, 2010 The first monarchs are now appearing in Texas! During spring migration, a female monarch leaves a trail of eggs behind her as she travels. As you begin to track monarch migration this spring, think of the hope embodied in tiny eggs and nature's power of regeneration. Then give three cheers for the monarchs that survived the long winter in Mexico!
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: March 11, 2010 Here come the monarchs! Spring migration begins every March in a flurry. The monarchs are in a race against time. They can't stay in Mexico any longer — but they can't move north too quickly either. The timing must be precise. Why do the monarchs go now, and how do they know when to leave? Image: Don Davis
	Monarch Butterfly Update: March 4, 2010 It's March! The monarch's journey north is about to begin. At the colonies in Mexico, the days are getting longer, the air is getting drier, and the temperatures are getting warmer. It's almost time to go! Get ready to track the spring migration. Photo: Dr. Lincoln Brower
	Monarch Butterfly Update: February 25, 2010 This week, scientists and citizens share their observations from Mexico as they look at the causes and consequences of this month's storm. The deforestation that has long worried monarch scientists is now a heightened concern for the citizens of Angangueo. "If we don't protect the forest, we can see the serious consequences for ourselves." Photo: Elizabeth Howard
	Monarch Butterfly Update: February 18, 2010 This week's word is survival. The strong spirit of the people of Angangueo survives as they pick up the pieces of their lives, literally and figuratively. Monarch butterflies migrate to Mexico to survive. So what happens to the butterflies when a strong storm and below-freezing temperatures strike their winter refuge? Photo: Dr. Lincoln Brower
	Monarch Butterfly Update: February 11, 2010 Last week's disaster continues to be our focus and concern. Students can send moral support by writing letters. Those who want to send financial support can contribute to Journey North's fundraising drive as described in this report. In the days ahead, we expect to hear how the severe weather affected the monarch butterflies. Scientists are concerned to know whether the forests provided adequate protection. Photo: Elizabeth Howard
	News Alert: Disaster in Angangueo: February 8, 2010 After extreme rainfall in central Mexico, a disastrous flood struck the mountain town of Angangueo, Michoacan. This little town—which is located at the center of the monarch butterfly overwintering region—sustained extensive material damage and even human loss. Please watch for further news about how to send disaster relief to our friends in Angangueo and the surrounding communities. Photo: HEC
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: February 4, 2010 Welcome to Journey North's 17th season! Three months ago, the first monarchs reached their winter home in Mexico after a long, fall migration. How many monarchs made it to Mexico — and how are the butterflies doing? This week, explore the population data scientists have just collected. Find out how scientists measure the size of the monarch population and what the data means for conservation. Photo: Dr. Lincoln Brower, Sweet Briar College
	Welcome to Journey North's spring monarch migration season! Starts February 4, 2010 Winter: We begin each year while the monarchs are still at the overwintering sites, deep in central Mexico. The monarch’s story of survival during the winter months in Mexico is as spectacular as their incredible migration. During the first weeks, we’ll look at the monarch’s winter habitat and their adaptations for survival. Spring: Get ready to track the migration! The monarchs head north in March. Find out how to report your sightings and track the migration on real-time migration maps.
News: Fall 2009 Posted Thursdays: Aug. 27, Sep. 3, 10, 17, 24, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5....or weekly until the first monarchs arrive in Mexico!
	FINAL Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: November 12, 2009 The long journey south is coming to a close, as millions of monarchs reach the winter sanctuaries in Mexico. People point to the sky as they welcome the butterflies. "¡Bienvenidos monarcas!" they say in Mexico. This is a time of celebration! Imagine the stories these butterflies could tell. Each began life as a tiny egg. Think of the challenges they've overcome and the distances they've traveled! Image: Felipe Martinez, RBMM
	News Flash: Monarchs Reach Winter Home in Mexico! This news just in: The monarchs arrived in large numbers yesterday at Mexico's winter sanctuary region. The news was announced by biologist Eduardo Rendon. "Today, all of the roads that lead to the Monarch Reserve are full of butterflies." We'll be back next week with our final migration update of the season. Meanwhile, picture millions of monarchs flying across the finish line as they complete their long migration. Congratulations, monarchs!
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: November 5, 2009 We expect to have news any moment that monarchs have arrived by the millions at their winter home in Mexico. There they'll spend the winter--together--in an astonishingly small region. What conditions make the habitat in this region ideal for monarch survival? In this week's slideshow, find out what scientists are learning about the unique microclimate of the monarch overwintering region. Image: NASA
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: October 29, 2009 For the past week, monarchs have been crossing northern Mexico in higher numbers than have been seen for years. Across which Mexican states do the monarchs travel in Mexico? Explore a map of the probable migration pathway and see why Dr. Calvert says it's "delightfully confusing." This week's slideshow features the holiday people in Mexico celebrate at this time of year, as the monarchs arrive. Photo: Rocio Trevino, age 10.
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: October 22, 2009 Monarchs are crossing northern Mexico by the thousands now. From her state of Coahulia, Rocio Trevino observed 3,200 monarchs per hour. What does the landscape look like in northern Mexico? This week, take a tour of the migration trail with the pictures on Google maps. Photo: Rocio Trevino
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: October 15, 2009 Monarchs are on the move in Texas and Arkansas, but it has been curiously quiet in northern Mexico. Are the monarchs late or traveling a different route? High migration rates were reported on the Atlantic Coast. Why did a Florida Gulf Coast sighting raise questions? Also this week, explore migration patterns across the Southwest United States. Where do you predict a monarch in Arizona would go for the winter?Photo: Marceline Vandewater
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: October 8, 2009 Monarchs were moving down the Atlantic Coast this week in the largest numbers of the season. A second wave moved has out of the Great Lakes and down the Ohio River Valley. All are headed toward Texas then into Mexico. Our reporter at the overwintering sites says everybody's watching and waiting! Meanwhile, this fall's most frigid tempeartures are spreading across the continent. How does temperature affect fall migration? Find out!
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: October 1, 2009 The geography of our continent is clearly steering the migration now. Butterflies from east to west must cross the southern Great Plains as they head toward their entry point to Mexico. Texas is the gateway state. Look at a map and see its central importance. This week, scientists announced a new discovery: the monarch's navigation system is based in the antennae! Explore the mysteries of monarch navigation. Photo: Elizabeth Howard
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: September 24, 2009 A clear wave of migration moved into Mid-Atlantic States this week, and monarchs are traveling an unusual pathway in the Great Plains. What caused this change and what will happen next? Also this week: Read true stories about tagged monarch butterflies and explore what tagging reveals about monarchs and their amazing journeys. Photo: Tom Murphy
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: September 17, 2009 The monarchs cruised into Kansas this week. Samual counted 1,018 monarchs in 1 hour and 20 minutes, all headed south. "It was totally amazing!!!" This week, learn how standard units of measurement help us make sense of migration data. Read this week's observation reports from citizen scientists and see how to count monarchs per hour (or monarchs per minute). When you report your own monarch observations, don't forget to tell us how long you were watching!
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: September 10, 2009 Look at the animated migration map and you will plainly see, the monarchs are moving toward their winter home in Mexico. This week's southernmost roost was reported in Kansas, only 1,350 miles from the finish line. Also this week, what can you learn from a single sighting on a bridge over Lake Michigan? What does the map of Great Lakes sightings reveal? Notice how observations lead to questions. This is one of the values of citizen science.
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: September 3, 2009 Spectacular roosts were reported in Nebraska this week. With tens of thousands of butterflies, they were the largest yet of the season. Both roosts were found beside blooming alfalfa fields, a welcome source of nectar for migrating monarchs who are traveling through a sea of cropland. Early arrivals continue to be reported from the south. Also being sighted are Queen butterflies, a Monarch relative and look-alike. Can you distinguish a Monarch butterfly from a Queen?
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: August 27, 2009 The migration to Mexico is underway! Please help track the monarch's journey. Watch for monarchs that are flying, resting and refueling. It's only August, but people are reporting clear signs of fall monarch migration. Why do you think monarch migration begins now? Why don't the monarchs stick around for the last weeks of summer? When, where, and how will monarchs find the habitat they need to survive? You're about to find out! Photo: Vincent Burrola
	Welcome and Orientation Beginning Thursday, August 27th, weekly FALL MIGRATION UPDATES will be posted here every Thursday, from September to November. (See schedule above.) Get ready to track the migration to Mexico. Find out how to report your sightings and track the migration on real-time migration maps. >>
News: Spring 2009 Posted Thursdays: Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26, Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26, Apr. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28, ...and weekly until the migration is complete!
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: June 11, 2009 Cloudy, cold, windy and rainy...that's the weather report from much of the north where monarchs have yet to appear widely. This is not butterfly weather! Also this week: Volunteers are needed for the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project. You can help scientists study monarch populations by establishing your own study site. Why the red flags in my study site?
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: June 4, 2009 Monarchs have now entered Nova Scotia! A sighting there puts the eastern edge of the migration nearly 3,000 miles from its origin in Mexico. Monarchs have also been sighted in the last two northeastern states. Can you name them? Also this week, learn how you can help scientists study the monarch parasite "OE." Look at the two species' life cycles and see how closely they are interconnected.
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: May 28, 2009 Canadians welcomed the monarchs' return this week as large numbers of butterflies reached the final nation of their tri-national migration. People from five new states and provinces reported monarchs this week. Use these geographic clues to find out which ones! Go on a milkweed hunt in today's slideshow. Milkweed can hide right in front of your eyes. Can you spot the milkweed in these pictures?
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: May 21, 2009 This is the week we've been waiting for! Monarchs are popping up all over the map. The number of sightings--and the fresh condition--are clear signs that a new generation is on the wing. Take a look at a magnified monarch wing this week. Also, Estela Romero sends news from Mexico as students go back to school after the influenza emergency. Photo: Raul Gonzalez
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: May 14, 2009 This was the slowest week of the season! The migration virtually came to a standstill. While we wait for the big surge in numbers--predicted next week--think about Journey North's data-collection methods. Why is this population map important? Also, can a milkweed plant grow fast enough to feed hungry larvae? See what this week's photo study shows. Photo: Bud Hensley
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: May 7, 2009 The first monarchs have crossed into Canada and reached latitude 42 north. As monarchs appeared in backyards and schoolyards this week, people were watching butterfly wings for clues. When will the fresh-winged butterflies of the next generation appear in full force? Also this week: What can you learn by looking closely at butterfly wings? And have you noticed the tiny holes on the sides of the monarch caterpillar's body?
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: April 30, 2009 Warm air spread across the east this week and monarchs moved into six new states. But are the monarchs missing the Appalachian Mountains? See if satellite images hold clues. Spread the news--a new generation of monarchs is on the wing. And think about this: If a single monarch can lay hundreds of eggs why don't we have a billion butterflies?
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: April 24, 2009 The migration has now moved into 18 states. Most likely, the migration map now shows how far the monarchs from Mexico will travel. We must wait for their offspring to join the migration in place of their parents. Consider the monarch's need for renewal on Earth Day. This pie chart shows where habitat is most important in the early spring. Also: How does a monarch get out of its chrysalis? Take a close look!
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: April 16, 2009 Dr. Brower says frost damage to milkweed is a hazard monarchs face in the spring. What are other risks of moving north too quickly? The monarchs have now moved into 4 new states and reached latitude 37N. Sightings from the East Coast raise interesting questions: Did those monarchs came up from Mexico or from the coast? Also, can you name another long-distant migrant that eats nectar and is traveling now? Photo: Bud Hensley
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: April 9, 2009 Look how far east the monarchs have gone and how little they have moved to the north! Measure from a central point in Texas you'll find they've flown 950 miles to the east and only 500 miles to the north. What causes this pattern? This week's monarch photo is a mystery. Any idea what it is? Photo: Dr. Lincoln Brower
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: April 2, 2009 When you look at the migration map this week, think EGGS. Think about a trail of eggs that stretches at least 1,300 miles, from the overwintering sites in Mexico to a roadside in Arkansas. That's how far the monarchs have traveled. And think about time. April is the last month in the lives of the monarchs that over-wintered in Mexico. What do the monarchs look like now? Find words to describe a very old and a very new butterfly. Photo: Sandra Conroy
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: March 26, 2009 The first monarchs have already been sighted in Arkansas and Oklahoma—and the 19 fresh eggs found yesterday in Jackson, Mississippi are evidence that monarchs have even arrived there! What does spring migration look like, and can you solve the migration mystery in California? As the final butteflies leave the overwintering sites in Mexico, the town of Angangueo honors monarchs and the first day of spring. Photo: Estela Romero
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: March 19, 2009 The monarchs are pouring out of Mexico now and arriving in Texas where severe drought conditions greet them. How could this affect the butterflies? Predict where the migration will travel next. (You might be surprised!) Why do the monarchs travel when and where they do? Find out why collecting this information is important. Photo: Dr. Lincoln Brower, Sweet Briar College
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: March 12, 2009 Here come the monarchs! The colonies in Mexico are breaking up and the journey north is underway! Spring migration begins every March in a flurry. The monarchs are in a race against time. They can't stay in Mexico any longer — but they can't move north too quickly either. The timing must be precise. Why do the monarchs go now, and how do they know when to leave?
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: March 5, 2009 Spring migration is about to begin! "Girls and boys: Monarchs will indeed leave our forests in only a few days," wrote Estela Romero from Angangueo. Millions of monarchs are about to take to the sky and begin their journey north. They will migrate across the continent in response to Earth's seasonal cycles. What triggers their departure? Look at these line graphs for clues and make predictions. Get ready to explore the many time-sensitive connections between monarchs, climate and the seasons.
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: February 26, 2009 How is a tree-trunk like a hot water bottle? How is a forest like an umbrella and blanket? Dr. Lincoln Brower is back from the overwintering sites in Mexico. Read about his trip and explore the analogies he uses to describe how the forest protects monarch butterflies. Also, monarch expert Dr. Karen Oberhauser is ready to answer your questions.   Ask the Expert is now open! Send questions only an expert can answer.
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: February 19, 2009 "The sounds of monarch wings in flight was overwhelming," said Susan Myers after visiting the butterfly sanctuary on Monday. The final weeks of the monarch's winter season are here and temperatures are rising. Why did the monarchs migrate to a place that is so cold? Today, find out how cold temperatures help monarchs survive the winter, and the challenges cold temperatures present.
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: February 12, 2009 Every 98 minutes the satellite zips around the world. It's 438 miles high and it's traveling 17,000 miles per hour. On board is one of the world's most powerful cameras. Any day, between now and mid-March, the camera will take a snapshot of Mexico's monarch butterfly Reserve. Find out how this satellite and high-powered camera can help scientists protect the monarch's forest for people and monarchs. Who made this possible? Students! Image: GEOEye
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: February 5, 2009 Welcome to Journey North's spring's migration season! It's been three months since the first monarchs reached their winter home in Mexico after their long, fall migration. How many monarchs are in Mexico this winter? Find out why scientists count butterfly trees instead of butterflies to answer that important conservation question. Also, why are the trees in this picture orange? Photo: Dr. Lincoln Brower, Sweet Briar College
	Welcome to Journey North's spring monarch migration season! Winter >> We begin each year while the monarchs are still at the overwintering sites, deep in central Mexico. The monarch’s story of survival during the winter months in Mexico is as spectacular as their incredible migration. During the first weeks, we’ll look at the monarch’s winter habitat and their adaptations for survival. Spring >> Get ready to track the migration! The monarchs head north in March. Find out how to report your sightings and track the migration on real-time migration maps.
News: Fall 2008 Posted Thursdays: Aug. 28, Sep. 4, 11, 18, 25, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 ....or weekly until the first monarchs arrive in Mexico!
	FINAL Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: Nov. 4, 2008 Large numbers of monarchs have now reached Mexico's overwintering region. By November 2nd, the tops of fifteen trees at the El Rosario sanctuary were covered with monarchs. How many monarchs will make it to Mexico? How large will this year's overwintering population be? Make your own prediction. We'll have the actual results when Journey North begins again in February. Please join us!
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: October 23, 2008 Monarchs appeared sponteneously across the skies of northern Mexico on Saturday. The states of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas and even Michoacan and Mexico reported sightings. Butterflies continue to pour down from the north and the story of a tagged butterfly shows how quickly monarchs can travel—over 550 miles within 3 days!  Photo courtesy of Rocio Treviño
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: October 16, 2008 What a week! Just as the migration is coming to a peak in Texas the very first monarchs have been reported from the wintering sites in Mexico. Also this week, watch an animation of the migration in Texas. Where do you see the monarchs traveling? Describe the migration pattern that you see. Next week we'll explore reasons why the monarchs appear to travel where they do! Photo courtesy of Terry Young
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: October 9, 2008 The migration pushed southward into Texas in two clear waves during the past week. The largest roost of the season appeared when the first wave hit northern Texas, with up to 25,000 monarchs. High-flying monarchs dropped down near the Mexican border with the second wave. Find out how high monarchs fly and how high we can see them. We are tracking migration based on visual observations, so these questions are important!
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: October 2, 2008 A cold front moved across Oklahoma on Monday and a clear wave of monarchs moved with it, advancing perhaps 300 miles. Monarchs came down to rest Monday night one woman recorded all the details. Two scientists explain how monarchs migrate with the wind and they couldn't get to Mexico without it. Also, we invite people across North America to tell about their habitat projects for monarchs.
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: September 25, 2008 Masses of monarchs traveled along Canada's northern Great Lakes shores last week. The warm fall weather gave them time to travel before cold temperatures trap them. Migration along the Atlantic Coast and the Appalachian Mountains is picking up, too. Our migration map is beginning to reveal the pathways monarchs travel on their way to Mexico. What stories do two tagged monarchs tell about monarch migration?
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: September 18, 2008 Hurricane Ike showed how hurricanes destroy human property and lives this week. In what ways could such a powerful storm affect the monarch population? In addition to the hurricane, monarchs were avoiding something else this week, can you find the clues? Also, a tagged monarch was found! What do its travels tell you?
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: September 11, 2008 Look at the migration map and you can plainly see, the monarchs are heading toward Mexico! They are entering Nebraska and Kansas in large numbers now, and people in Iowa are reporting peak conditions. Attention all monarch observers: When you report your monarch sightings, tell us how many monarchs you saw per minute (or per hour). Here's why... >>
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: September 4, 2008 Monarchs rested last week in Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa during their long migration to Mexico. With over 1,000 miles left to fly they formed large roosts and waited for winds to carry them southward. Only 12 roosts have been reported this fall compared to more than 80 last year at this time. Are these true signs of a small population? Will this winter's population in Mexico will be smaller than last year's too? Also: Can you identify a monarch butterfly?
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: August 28, 2008 The migration to Mexico is underway! Please help track the monarch's journey. Watch for monarchs that are flying, resting and refueling. But where are the monarchs? Last fall, 45 overnight roosts had been reported compared to only 3 so far this year. Meet a slow-growing monarch this week and explore climate connections. Teachers: Get started with a guided tour for using Journey North in your classroom.
	Welcome and Orientation Beginning August 28th, weekly FALL MIGRATION UPDATES will be posted here every Thursday, from September to November. (See schedule above.) Get ready to track the migration to Mexico. Find out how to report your sightings and track the migration on real-time migration maps. >>
News: Spring 2008 Posted Thursdays: Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28, Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27, Apr. 3, 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29...and weekly until the migration is complete!
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: June 12, 2008 Weather conditions caused sweltering heat but let massive numbers of monarchs move into MA, NH, VT, ME, ON and PQ: "Nous avons vu notre premier monarque aujourd'hui," came the news from Quebec City near latitude 47N. Students at Davis Elementary in Bedford, MA, saw their first monarch when CBS News Boston came to visit. Take a look!
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: June 5, 2008 At last! The chilly, wet weather that has slowed the migration all month finally gave way at the end of last week. Warm, moist air moved northward and the monarchs moved with it. The migration has now expanded to latitude 47 N and as far east as Nova Scotia. week. Photo: Wayne Kryduba
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: May 29, 2008 Brrrr....After another cold week in the north the migration still seems to be stalled at about latitude 45N in the central region and 42N in the east. This week, watch a monarch hatch from its egg. What questions does this miraculous monarch raise? Send us your list! We'll try to answer them next week.
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: May 22, 2008 They are few and far between, but monarchs have now reached latitude 45 north. Cool temperatures are slowing the migration northward. When the pattern breaks on Saturday south winds should bring warm air—and monarchs—northward. Let's see! This week, come on a photo safari and see if you can find the milkweed that's hiding in these pictures.
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: May 15, 2008 The first monarch was spotted in Canada on May 8th this spring, the very same day as last year's first sighting. The big surge in numbers we have been predicting should occur any day. Let us know what you see! Meanwhile, explore the connections between milkweed and monarchs and enjoy a field trip to the milkweed patch in this week's slideshow.
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: May 8, 2008 Monarch butterflies and ruby-throated hummingbirds both eat nectar and are both crossing eastern North America right now. Why do you suppose hummingbirds can travel north more quickly? Also look closely at two monarch larvae and compare them. Find out what causes the differences that you see.
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: May 1, 2008 As you can plainly see, the migration map has hardly changed during the past week. Its leading edge still hovers at latitude 40N where it was last week, and only a handful of sightings were reported. Can you figure out why? Also, people have been amazed and delighted this spring by the monarch's amazing ability to find milkweed, even the tiniest plants. What senses do monarchs have, and how do they use them to find milkweed? Photo: Jim Conner
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: April 24, 2008 What a week! According to observers, the monarchs moved into six new states and a most remarkable sighting was reported from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. If the butterfly came from Mexico it would have flown over 1,600 miles! Do you think this is a reliable sighting? Also this week, take a close look at the amazing legs monarch larvae have. How do their special legs help monarchs survive?
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: April 17, 2008 Last week's final blast of winter stopped the monarchs in their tracks. Look how little the migration map changed in the Central Plains, where most of the monarch population is poised to move northward. The big news this week is that new butterflies of the next generation are now being born in Texas! These young butterflies will join the migration and continue the journey north in place of their parents.
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: April 10, 2008 Look how far east the monarchs have gone and how little they have moved to the north! Measure from a central point in Texas you'll find they've flown 1,000 miles to the east and only 500 miles to the north. What causes this pattern? Other news: new butterflies of the next generation are about to be born, so make room on your migration map! Also, this week's monarch photo is a mystery. Any idea what it is? Photo: Dr. Lincoln Brower
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: April 3, 2008 March 27th was the week's big migration day. Scientists who monitor weather and insect migration watch for conditions like these.Take a look at wind and weather maps for the day. If you're waiting to see your first monarch? This week's migration map questions are for you! And don't miss Answers from the Expert, Monarch biologist Dr. Karen Oberhauser.
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: March 27, 2008 It looked like fall migration along the Texas Gulf coast late last week there were so many monarchs! But the 'stop and start' nature of monarch migration is evident when you play this week's animated migration map. How closely do monarchs follow after milkweed becomes available in the spring? Dr. Brower explains why that's an important question. This week's photo is a monarch egg. Describe it!
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: March 20, 2008 The first monarchs have arrived in Texas— and the first eggs of the next generation are being laid. Learn how to use our migration map in a scavenger hunt to answer questions. Also, predict where the migration move during the next month. Spring migration is underway!
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: March 13, 2008 The monarchs are on their way! Dr. Bill Calvert reported last night from Angangueo after watching monarchs stream out of the Rosario colony in massive numbers. Then came the news from the state of Querétaro, 60 miles north. The journey north is underway! Also this week, alarming news about deforestation in the monarch region. Find out how students helped scientists collect the strongest evidence yet that the monarch forest in Mexico needs stronger protection.
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: March 6, 2008 It's March! The days are getting longer, the air drier, and temperatures are rising in the monarch colonies in Mexico. "Within the month—a relatively short time—these butterflies will vacate their winter haunt and begin the recolonization of North America." How did milkweed the monarchs ate last fall help them survive the winter in Mexico? Find two important ways in today's update. Photo by Don Davis
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: February 28, 2008 Two important signs of spring were noted during the past week at the over-wintering sites in Mexico. The monarchs are moving down the mountains, and mating is increasing. Last fall, classrooms sent over $11,000 to Mexico for monarch conservation. Two stories this week are about the work the students' donations are supporting. The goal of both projects is to take pressure off the forest by helping local people find new ways to live and work.
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: February 21, 2008 The monarch's story is one of nature's greatest survival stories. Yet competition with people over use of the forest is the greatest challenge the monarchs face in Mexico. Today we'll explore uses of wood by families who live in the region. Meet children who live in the region and and see how their simple rural lifestyle compares to your own.
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: February 14, 2008 Dr. Lincoln Brower sends news about his research trip to Mexico. He shares his hypothesis about how monarchs benefit from clustering on the trunks of trees. Why do monarch butterflies come together by the millions and form colonies the way they do? Take a look and think it through. Photo: Dr. Lincoln Brower, Sweet Briar College
	Monarch Butterfly Migration Update: February 7, 2008 Welcome to Journey North's spring's migration season!  It's been three months since the first monarchs reached their winter home in Mexico after their long, fall migration. How many monarchs are in Mexico this winter? Find out why scientists count butterfly trees instead of butterflies to answer that important conservation question. Photo: Dr. Lincoln Brower, Sweet Briar College
	Welcome to Journey North's spring monarch migration season! Winter >> We begin each year while the monarchs are still at the overwintering sites, deep in central Mexico. The monarch’s story of survival during the winter months in Mexico is as spectacular as their incredible migration. During the first weeks, we’ll look at the monarch’s winter habitat and their adaptations for survival. Spring >> Get ready to track the migration! The monarchs head north in March. Find out how to report your sightings and track the migration on real-time migration maps.

 

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