08/23/2026
Behind the Scenes: Raising & Releasing Monarchs at the Nature Center
If you’ve stopped by the Ruth Edwards Nature Center recently, you’ve likely seen our caterpillar displays in action! Rearing monarchs isn't just about watching a miracle happen, it’s community science, habitat conservation, and hands-on education all in one.
Here is a peek at how we care for our monarchs, how we release them, and how you can safely support them at home!
How We Feed, Protect & Care for Our Monarchs
Fresh Foraging: We harvest fresh milkweed (Asclepias) daily, choosing young, tender leaves. Every leaf is washed and dried to prevent moisture buildup that can breed disease.
Safe Enclosures: Caterpillars are raised in ventilated mesh habitats to protect them from natural predators like tachinid flies and wasps. We sanitize enclosures and clear out frass (droppings) daily.
The Launch: Once adults emerge and their wings dry completely (about 4–24 hours), we bring them out to our garden beds filled with nectar plants so they can instantly refuel.
Release Styles: Finding Your Method
There isn't just one way to release a butterfly! Depending on the goal, you’ll see us use a few different approaches:
The Smooth Cup: Using a clean plastic container lets the butterfly walk out or take off on its own timeline, zero wing contact and low stress!
The Flower Perch: Placing a bloom inside the enclosure lets the monarch step onto the flower stem, making for a calm, natural transition outside.
The Gentle Pinch: Experienced handlers (like our expert tagger, Dee!) use a gentle wing-pinch near the thorax. This is crucial for rapid tagging and identifying males vs. females for science programs.
Thinking of Rearing Monarchs at Home? Here Are Quick Do's & Don'ts:
DO Start Small: Bring in just 2–3 eggs or small caterpillars to avoid overcrowding and disease spread.
DO Plant Native Nectar: Ensure your yard has flowers like Black-Eyed Susans or Coneflowers to support newly emerged adults.
DON'T Use Pesticides: Never feed caterpillars milkweed that has been treated with chemical insecticides.
DON'T Force a Handling Style: If you aren't comfortable using the wing-pinch, stick to a smooth cup or flower perch!
Join Us This Fall!
Want to get involved in community science?
Mark your calendars for our upcoming Monarch Tagging Event this September! You'll learn how to distinguish males from females, practice gentle handling techniques, and help tag monarchs participating in the University of Kansas Monarch Watch migration study.
Stay tuned to our page, exact event dates will be announced soon as our final summer caterpillars emerge!
