Monarch butterfly sanctuary El Rosario in Michoacán sees 60% rise and plans 150,000‑tree reforestation

The El Rosario sanctuary in Ocampo, Michoacán, reported a 60% increase in monarch butterfly presence during the 2025‑2026 season, with almost three hectares of butterflies now occupying the area, including about 1.7 hectares within the protected zone. Juan Gómez González, treasurer of the Homero Gómez Foundation, attributed the growth to conservation actions such as reforestation, fire monitoring, and the planting of Asclepias – a key host plant – in collaboration with partners in Canada and the United States.

The sanctuary will host a reforestation campaign this rainy season, aiming to plant 150,000 trees. The effort is organized by the ejido El Rosario and the Homero Gómez El Guardián foundation, continuing work on forest surveillance, fire control and habitat restoration to safeguard the monarch population against climate risks and habitat loss.