Come
to the California Central Coast in the fall and winter and
you'll be welcomed by an awesome sight-thousands of Monarchs
over-wintering in the few remaining micro-climates that
allow them to rest before migrating north for the summer.
Pismo Beach is a popular place for Monarchs to gather but
the area is rapidly failing victim to development that is
uprooting the Eucalyptus and Monterey Pine groves that
Monarchs need to survive.
One woman, Sheila Boone, a fifth great-great, daughter of
famed American adventurer, Daniel Boone, is hoping to save
the Monarch and build a monumental butterfly house while
she's at it.
Boone has been steadily raising Monarch awareness and funds
for a coastal butterfly palace to be constructed in Nipomo,
a community just outside of Pismo Beach.
Boone has been steadily raising Monarch awareness and funds for a coastal butterfly palace to be constructed in Nipomo, a community just outside of Pismo Beach.
The domed butterfly conservatory, patterned after
the historical Crystal Palace in Britain. will feature live
tropical species. The conservatory is expected to be just
one component of the Butterfly Palace. An American Western
Monarch and Rare Butterfly Education and Research Center
will focus on endangered habitats like the Monarch's and the
World's rarest butterfly, the Palos Verdes Blue, a species
that lives in a small section of Los Angeles. Several
museums and 150 acres of showcase theme gardens are planned
as well. But it all begins with the live butterfly
conservatory. Boone has launched a major effort to raise
money for the non-profit project, so be sure to contact her
if you can help.