Juan Govea, Director of Exhibits and Education at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, was the featured speaker at the November 15 meeting of Commodore Sloat Chapter. Mr. Govea’s presentation, “Monarch Butterflies,” offered an overview of the life cycle of the beautiful Monarch butterflies.

Happily for those of us who live in Central California, the Monarchs “overwinter” in Pacific Grove from about October to March. There are other local habitats in Santa Cruz — Natural Bridges State Beach and several small spots south of Carmel.

Monarch butterfly populations are dwindling, but Mr. Govea suggested several steps we can take to help them thrive:

• The drought has affected the native milkweed plant that is necessary to the early stages in the Monarch life cycle. For those who live more than 10 miles from the coast (as the crow flies), plant Milkweed!
• Plant nectar gardens. Mr. Govea offered seed packets that “anyone can grow,” and will help the Monarch butterflies.
• Stop using herbicides and pesticides that damage the Monarch butterfly population.
• Become a butterfly monitor, and count tagged Monarchs.
• Donate to the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History or the Monarch Grove Sanctuary in Pacific Grove.

For more information about Monarch butterflies, please visit the Pacific Grove museum of Natural History, 165 Forest Avenue,  Pacific Grove; www.pgmuseum.org; or the Monarch Grove Sanctuary, Ridge Road between Lighthouse Avenue and Short Street.