Each spring, monarch butterflies return to the Eastern United States + southern Canada after wintering at sites that range from California to Central America. And it’s that time again.

Record numbers of monarchs are reported to have hatched in Mexico this year, and experts are anticipating that we will soon see more than 300 million of the colorful species descend on North Carolina in the coming weeks — with peak viewing times expected around Saturday, May 9.

An interactive map (as seen below) from Journey North lets you track and report butterfly sightings in our region.

Did you know? Urbanization and deforestation have reduced the amount of resources that monarchs need to make their journey. To help support the butterflies during their migration period, conservation biologists at the NC Zoo, NC Botanical Garden + other local organizations have established butterfly waystations, or pollinating gardens, to ensure the monarchs have access to enough food along their route.

You can help their efforts (and increase your own butterfly sightings) by planting some of the following in your garden: milkweed, black-eyed susans, petunias, coneflowers, butterfly bushes, or dogwoods + click here to learn more.

Quiz