Coronado Butterfly Preserve

When to See the Monarchs

The Coronado Butterfly Preserve is a beautiful natural space open to the public every day of the year from sunrise to sunset. No reservations or admission fees are required—we rely on your visitor donations. Monarch butterflies migrate to the preserve for their over-wintering time, which is typically from November through February, with peak numbers usually visible in December and January. It’s difficult to predict wildlife behavior, and every year is different due to a wide range of factors. Even so, we expect to see the first butterflies arrive in late October with almost all butteflies gone by the middle of March.

The Monarchs are most easily seen during the middle of the day. They usually hang from eucalyptus branches in amazing clusters when the weather is cool, then flutter around when directly warmed by the sun. Look up in the trees of the Main Monarch Grove for unusual clumps of “leaves”. They just might be butterflies!

Directions to the Preserve

From Highway 101, exit Storke Rd./Glen Annie and head south (away from mountains). Turn right on Hollister Avenue, drive about 1.2 miles and take a left on Coronado Drive. Entrance to the Preserve is at the end of Coronado Drive. The Coronado Butterfly Preserve is funded by visitor donations. A donation box is located at the entrance, and your contribution will be greatly appreciated.

photo credit: ©2002 John Molony

Perhaps best known as the gateway to the Ellwood Main Monarch Grove, the Coronado Butterfly Preserve is home to native coastal sage scrub habitat, eucalyptus groves and numerous birds and wildlife that thrive in this urban community treasure. The 9.3-acre preserve includes Devereux Creek, woodlands and meadows as well as trails, an outdoor gathering area and classroom.

The preserve, a gateway to one of the largest Monarch butterfly over-wintering groves in California, is enjoyed by as many as 1,000 visitors per weekend during butterfly season.

About the Monarch Butterfly

Unlike most other insects, Monarch butterflies cannot survive a long, cold winter. Instead, they migrate south and spend the winter in roosting spots. In California, they fly to small groves along the California coast. The Monarchs can travel up to 3,000 miles and are the only butterfly to make such a long, round trip journey each year. Amazingly, they fly in masses to the same winter roosts.

The Monarchs roost in eucalyptus trees, Monterey pines and Monterey cypress. The butterflies need cool areas protected from winds and nearby water to drink, and the Coronado Butterfly Preserve is part of a perfect over-wintering site. As winter ends and days grow longer, the Monarchs become more active and return north to lay their eggs and continue the cycle. Protecting the important Monarch habitat found at the Preserve is critical to the survival of these beautiful and amazing creatures. For in-depth information about our California monarch species, visit the Xerces Society website: http://www.xerces.org/california-monarchs/

Preserve History & Accomplishments


For many years, the community has appreciated and sought to protect the biologically rich, undeveloped coastal properties in west Goleta. Previously owned by the Goleta Union School District, the Land Trust purchased the Preserve in 1998 for $600,000 using public and private grants and over $50,000 in community donations. The Preserve is now permanently protected and used for the wildlife habitat preservation, outdoor education and links to the coastal trail system.

With the help of the neighborhood and greater community, the Preserve has become a thriving place for native plants, wildlife and learning. The Preserve is managed by an advisory committee, under the direction of the Land Trust. With great effort, the committee and neighborhood volunteers have:

•  Planted over 1,000 native plants and removed weeds to improve wildlife habitat.
•  Built trails and installed log seating.
•  Collaborated with native plant experts, wildlife biologists, and local educators to maintain the urban nature preserve as a community asset.

To keep the Preserve healthy and open to the community, the Land Trust plans to:

•  Plant more native trees and plants to further enrich butterfly habitat.
•  Plan for future creek habitat restoration.
•  Conduct on-going maintenance, such as fire prevention mowing, replacement plantings, trail grooming and irrigation.
•  Involve the community in caring for the preserve.

Butterfly Docents

The City of Goleta organizes a seasonal docent program to help educate the public and school groups about the overwintering behavior of our local monarch butterflies. If you are interested in volunteering, or are seeking information about arranging a docent tour, please call 805-961-7510 or email jharo@cityofgoleta.org.