Pacific Grove Butterfly Habitat to remain closed

PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. (KION-TV)- A Pacific Grove attraction is going to remain closed after multiple monarch butterflies died during the winter storm.

A portion of the sanctuary is closed because a tree is dying and needs to be removed. This will take time, because the city needs to wait until the monarchs move out.

The reopening could be in either the spring or as late as summer once the butterflies are gone.

Another concern within the habitate is the use of pesticides in the area.

“Like bees and other pollinators they are very sensitive to pesticides so sourcing plants with no pesticides is really important,” Director of Education and Outreach at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Liese Murphree said.

The butterflies are slowly making their way to breeding areas to the east and north to lay their eggs.

The city hopes the monarch butterfly population can come back in full force at its peak later this year.

Pacific Grove's museum staff are working with the city to let people know how they can help.

One way is by planting native "nectar plants" and limiting pesticide use.

“If we don’t take notice as humans of this creature and we don’t preserve it and make sure that it’s here forever for everybody's children especially it’s going to be one of the greatest losses we'll ever experience," Linda Thomas a visitor for over 10 years.

Monarchs will migrate back at the peak months from November through January.