Every winter, thousands of western monarchs use California’s coastal groves, from Pacific Grove to Pismo Beach and beyond, as a resting spot and safe haven. Generations of families have visited every year to marvel at this natural wonder. But in recent years, the western monarch butterfly has become nearly extinct because their resting spots called “overwintering sites”are disappearing. Their future depends on what we do NOW.
What Can We Do?
Protection of western monarch overwintering sites is desperately needed to save this species. This means monarch habitat is being destroyed at a record pace. Once an overwintering site is gone, it cannot easily be replaced or replicated due to the highly specialized microclimates monarchs rely on. Humans are causing this destruction, and humans can stop it, if we act immediately. AB 2254 will help us act.
From the Assemblymember
Assemblymember Addis presents AB 2254 in the Senate Local Government Committee.
"Monarch butterflies, are not just iconic, they are a vital species for our Central Coast way of life and economy. They are disappearing in record numbers. Humans have caused this problem, which means humans can fix it. If we take swift and decisive actions to protect the monarch habitat now, we will reap the benefits for generations to come." — Asm. Dawn Addis
WHAT DOES AB 2254, THE COASTAL MONARCH PROTECTION ACT, DO?
Western monarch butterflies make one of nature's most extraordinary migrations, returning to California’s coastal groves each winter. However, the Coastal California Western Monarch population has declined by more than 95% since the 1980s, placing it at severe risk of collapse. In fact, a federal report estimates a 60% to 68% chance of extinction within 10 years, and 99% by 2080.
Last year, Assemblymember Addis introduced ACR 103, which established California Monarch Protection Week. The goal of that resolution was to help raise awareness for the plight of the western monarch butterfly and inspire action by communities across our state. This year, she has introduced AB 2254, which takes concrete, legislative action to protect these sites.
AB 2254, the Coastal Monarchs Protection Act, will require communities along the coast, with monarch butterfly winter habitat, to create policies to protect this iconic and important species. We must save this butterfly, and now communities across our state will be active contributors to doing so.
Why the Western Monarch Matters
The Western monarch is more than just a butterfly. A symbol of migration, resilience, and the health of our environment, the Western Monarch is an economic driver for the communities that host their winter habitats. Protecting monarchs means protecting California's natural heritage.
Here's why they're so important:
🦋 Flagship species of pollinators that help keep our ecosystems healthy
🧭 Their annual migration is one of nature's most remarkable journeys
💸 They boost eco-tourism, bringing visitors to our coastal communities each winter
When we protect monarchs, we protect biodiversity, support local economies, and pass on a healthier environment to future generations.
Why Does the Monarch's Habitat Matter?
Protecting the places monarchs spend their winters, called "overwintering sites", is essential. These are the only safe places monarchs can rest, recover, and continue their life cycle.
Map from California State Parks Foundation indicating the Western Monarch Migration.
While the life cycle of a monarch flying north is just 1-2 months, the monarchs that fly south can live as long as 6 to 9 months!
Here's what that looks like:
- Summer: Monarchs born in spring and summer live only a few weeks. Their sole purpose is to mate, lay eggs on milkweed, and continue the migration north. Several generations are born this way, each moving the migration farther along.
- Winter: The butterflies we see clustering at the Pacific Grove Monarch Sanctuary, the Pismo State Beach Preserve, and other California coastal groves enter a special state called diapause, which allows them to live through the winter. These monarchs can survive for 6 to 9 months, resting, conserving energy, and feeding on nectar until it’s time to head north in late February or early March.
This incredible cycle means the monarchs that return to the Central Coast each winter are not the same ones that left in spring—they're often the great-great-grandchildren of last year's butterflies, guided by instincts we still don’t fully understand. Protecting these sites isn’t just conservation—it's part of who we are as a community.
Monarch Habitats in Assembly District 30
Protecting these sites isn’t just about conservation—it’s also about preserving the identity and heritage of our communities. Assemblymember Addis is proud to represent some of California’s most important overwintering sites.
Here's a look at the key habitats in Assembly District 30:
📍 Pacific Grove Monarch Grove Sanctuary:
- 2023 Peak Count: 7,663 butterflies
- Hosted 2.8% of California's monarch population in 2023–24
- Almost consistently ranked in the Top 10 overwintering sites statewide
📍 Pismo State Beach Monarch Grove:
- 2022–23: 24,128 monarchs
- 2023–24: 16,347 monarchs
- 2024–25: Only 556 monarchs counted
- One of the largest publicly owned monarch groves in California
📍 Monterey County Coastal Groves:
- MGS alone has averaged 37% of Monterey County's population since 2001
- Many coastal groves are on private land and remain vulnerable to development
These sites are living treasures—and their future depends on what we do now.
Read below to find out how you can help, what to know about monarchs, and where to go to experience these incredible butterflies for yourself.
What Can I Do?
How you can help:
Protecting monarchs is a shared responsibility, and every small action makes a difference. Here's how you can join me in helping:
🌱 Plant native milkweed and nectar plants in their native range
🚫 Avoid pesticides that harm butterflies and other pollinators
🏞 Visit and support local sanctuaries—your presence helps fund conservation
🗳 Advocate for legislation that protects pollinators and climate-resilient habitats such as AB 2254
(Pictured here is a tree removal at an overwintering site in 2017.)
Other Legislative Action to Protect Monarchs
Since serving in the legislature, Assemblymember Addis has championed legislation to protect and bring awareness to our natural world.
The following legislation has been authored by Assemblymember Addis.
- ACR 103 (2025) - California Western Monarch Protection Week - Declared the week of July 14-18, 2025 as California Western Monarch Protection Week to raise public awareness, promote conservation efforts, and inspire community action to protect monarch butterflies and their habitats.
- AB 1243 (2025) - Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act - Aimed to assess fees on the largest fossil fuel polluters for their fair share of the damage their products have inflicted on California.
- AB 1407 (2023) - Ocean Ecosystem Recovery - Would have accelerated California's marine habitat restoration efforts by establishing recovery goals for critical ocean ecosystems and a state structure to develop and support restoration projects.
- AB 720 (2023) - Grassland Restoration Program - Aimed to ensure ranchers and other private landowners have a financial incentive to implement grazing practices that restore grassland, soil, and biodiversity on some of California's most endangered landscapes.
In the News
📰 SLO County lawmaker's bill aims to protect monarch butterflies. Here's how
Assemblymember Dawn Addis authored a bill to better protect the butterfly species and help reverse the dramatic population decline.
📰 With bills spanning health, weather, and environment, the Central Coast Caucus seeks to elevate a region.
The California Legislative Central Coast Caucus elevates the priorities of its region through informed legislation.
📰 A Central Coast lawmaker fights to protect western monarch butterflies
Assemblymember Dawn Addis introduced ACR 103 to declare July 14–18 as California Western Monarch Protection Week.
📰 California State Parks Foundation: Near-Record Low Monarch Counts
Western monarch numbers are in steep decline—scientists and advocates call for urgent habitat protections.
📰 Saving the Western Monarch – Cal Parks Blog
A closer look at how local and state partnerships are working to reverse population loss.