Critter Corner: The Monarchs are Coming, the Monarchs are Coming!

Mayfield Hillcrest area will soon witness a royal procession in orange. You can call this group of butterflies a rabble, a swarm, or even a kaleidoscope, however the Monarchs passing though the area may leave you speechless.

These large butterflies are expected to pass through the area September 8th-20th, with the peak around the 16th. They are the only butterflies to make a two way/ round trip migration up to 2000 miles long.

The Monarchs you see in your yard are on their way to Mexico traveling at an average speed of 12 mph. They average about 80 miles a day, and can fly at heights of up to two miles. See them return from their winter grounds in the oyamel forests in Michoacan next summer.

Adults and kids can learn more about these beautiful creatures with three programs being held in the North Chagrin Metro Parks. Learn how to set up a feeding station, catch and tag the migratory butterflies and have a chance to see them up close.

Friday, September 7 · 6 - 7 p.m.

North Chagrin Nature Center's Nature Education Building · North Chagrin Reservation

As winter gets nearer, butterflies migrate south for the winter. But they can't do it without some food along the way. Join Naturalist Mindy Murdock for a program on starting monarch waystations. While parents learn, kids can make a butterfly craft. Then, head outside to discover who's fluttering by. North Chagrin Nature Center's Nature Education Building is located behind the nature center, off Buttermilk Falls Parkway, off the Sunset Lane entrance of North Chagrin Reservation, off SOM Center Road/Route 91 in Mayfield Village. For more information, call 440-473-3370.

Saturday, September 8 12:00-4:00

"Monarch Magic"  Get up-close and personal with these beautiful winged travelers. Enjoy presentations, hikes, butterfly banding, movies, crafts, refreshments and more! North Chagrin Nature Center is located off Buttermilk Falls Parkway, off the Sunset Lane entrance of North Chagrin Reservation, off SOM Center Road/Route 91 in Mayfield Village - south of the Rte. 90/Rte. 91 exit. For more information, call 440-473-3370.

Monarchs in the Meadow

Sunday, September 16 · 1:30 - 3 p.m.

Strawberry Picnic Area · North Chagrin Reservation

Head into the meadows filled with blooming goldenrod in search of migrating monarch butterflies. Try to catch and tag these flying friends so their 2,000-mile trek to Mexico can be documented. Strawberry Picnic Area is located off Buttermilk Falls Parkway, off the Strawberry Lane entrance of North Chagrin Reservation, off SOM Center Road/Route 91 in Willoughby Hills. For more information, call 440-473-3370.

If you can't make it, check out this site for the "royals" in your backyard.

http://www.monarchwatch.org/rear/index.htm