News : Experience the Monarchs of Mexico

There are so many Monarch butterflies in parts of Mexico that they almost look like leaves.

How can a tiny insect that weighs less than a gram fly all the way to Mexico from Iowa and points even farther North? How can they arrive at a destination they have never been to before? The same places most recently visited by their great-great-grandparents?

Traveling over 1,600 miles from Eastern Iowa and beyond, the monarchs will over-winter in oyamel fir tree forests in the volcanic mountain range in the state of Michoacan, Mexico.

Monarch enthusiasts will want to join Benton County Conservation Naturalist, Karen Phelps, on this unique opportunity to experience the Monarch butterfly in its winter home near Morelia, Mexico. The trip will take place March 5-12, 2011. Reservations are now being accepted with limited space available.

Karen has traveled to Mexico with people from across Iowa and the United States, to meet up with their guide, William Calvert. Mr. Calvert has over 30 years experience as a guide to the monarch wintering grounds, and his passion for, and research of the monarch butterfly proves to make this truly an educational and memorable experience.

For more information concerning costs and itinerary, or to make reservations please contact Benton County Naturalist, Karen Phelps by email at wildthing@naturetracks.net or phone 319-560-9809.

Reservations and down payment are requested by September 24, 2010.