Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove – Field Trip

Description: In a good year, as many as 20,000 monarch butterflies spend the winter here in the Butterfly Grove located in the Ellwood Mesa Preserve. In the morning, most of the monarch are sleeping, but as the air warms some will take to flight. Occasionally a large number will burst into flight. A medium telephoto lens is best for capturing the details, since the viewing area is restricted and visitors are not permitted to approach the butterflies closely. The light filtering through the Eucalyptus can be patchy and challenging, so using a low ISO and
underexposing may be necessary to manage the high dynamic range. A tripod can be useful when the monarchs are clinging to the eucalyptus branches, but not when they are flying. Docents are often available on weekends during the peak season to answer questions.

The peak time is usually in early December. However, the number varies greatly from year to year. Only 10 monarchs were recorded at the main site in 2020/21. Last year was also not a good one. The outlook this year is somewhat uncertain due to the relatively low amount of rainfall last winter. We will assess the probability of a good showing of Monarchs a few weeks before the scheduled
trip, and if it looks good, we will go ahead, otherwise we will cancel.

Location: Ellwood Mesa Preserve, Goleta; Parking Lot near South end of Coronado Street, off Hollister. Distance from downtown Santa Barbara: Approximately 10 miles.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning 9:00 to 11:00, December & January.

Admission: Free.