Plant Native, Save a Species: Monarch Butterfly Conservation Through Gardening

Once abundant, North America's monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) has declined by an estimated 90% over the past few decades, largely due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change (Center for Biological Diversity, 2024). This alarming trend has prompted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to propose listing the monarch as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a move that could bring powerful conservation tools to protect and restore the species (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS], 2024).

The Proposed ESA Listing

In December 2024, the FWS proposed listing the monarch butterfly as threatened, which would offer federal protections for the species and approximately 4,395 acres of critical overwintering habitat in California (FWS, 2024). A key component of the proposal is the “4(d) rule,” which tailors ESA protections to allow certain activities that benefit the species while prohibiting those that would cause harm. This special rule encourages voluntary conservation efforts and allows for the planting, maintenance, or removal of milkweed and nectar sources without penalty, as long as critical habitats are not destroyed (FWS, 2024).

This flexible approach is designed to strike a balance between protecting monarch populations and supporting the landowners, gardeners, and farmers who play a vital role in monarch conservation (Birds & Blooms, 2024).

Signs of Recovery

Despite past declines, recent data offer hope. In early 2025, the eastern monarch population’s overwintering area in Mexico nearly doubled from 2.2 to 4.4 acres (NBC DFW, 2025). Experts attribute the increase to improved conservation efforts, including reduced logging in Mexican sanctuaries and expanded habitat corridors (Rainforest Trust, 2024). For example, Rainforest Trust and its partners secured over 1.3 million acres of protected forest in the Sierra Madre Oriental, which is a key migratory pathway for monarchs.

In the U.S., monarch-friendly habitat is expanding thanks to the efforts of citizen scientists, public gardens, and organizations that distribute milkweed seeds and educational resources (USA Today, 2025). These initiatives are rebuilding the monarch’s breeding grounds and providing nectar-rich environments essential for migration.

The Role of Milkweed and Habitat Protection

Monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on milkweed (Asclepias spp.), making this plant essential to the butterfly’s survival (Rainforest Trust, 2024). The widespread use of herbicides and land conversion has significantly reduced milkweed availability. However, FWS encourages planting native milkweed species and nectar plants to help reestablish critical breeding habitat (FWS, 2024).

This focus on habitat restoration aligns with the goals of the ESA listing. Landowners are empowered—not penalized—for maintaining pollinator-friendly environments, and community groups are engaging in planting programs, educational festivals, and butterfly monitoring efforts (Axios, 2025).

How the Public Can Support Monarch Conservation

Every individual has a role to play in monarch butterfly conservation. According to experts, the most effective steps include:

Planting native milkweed and nectar plants in gardens, parks, and schoolyards to support breeding and migration (Rainforest Trust, 2024; Birds & Blooms, 2024).
Avoiding pesticide use, which harms both monarchs and their essential plant hosts (Center for Biological Diversity, 2024).
Participating in citizen science, such as monarch tagging, migration tracking, and butterfly counts to inform conservation strategies (Birds & Blooms, 2024).
Supporting ESA protections and local policies that prioritize pollinator conservation (FWS, 2024; USA Today, 2025).

As Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller noted, the recent increase in monarch numbers “signals a healthy shift for the species,” showing that collective conservation actions are making a measurable impact (NBC DFW, 2025).

A Hopeful Path Forward

The proposed listing of the monarch butterfly as a threatened species marks a significant milestone in pollinator conservation. By combining federal protection with grassroots habitat restoration, the path forward is one of cautious optimism. The monarch’s story—of decline, resilience, and renewed hope—is a call to action. As the FWS emphasizes, securing a future for monarchs will require collaboration at every level, from policymakers to backyard gardeners (FWS, 2024).

With informed action, public support, and ongoing commitment, monarchs can continue to grace skies across North America for generations to come.