The National Mall in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Monarchs on the Move
With their distinctive orange and black wings, monarchs are one of the most recognizable butterfly species in the world. They are also one of the most well-traveled, flying more than 3,000 miles each year to their winter homes in Mexico and southern California.
This garden is certified as a Monarch Waystation: a place where monarchs can stop and feed on their long journeys north and south.
How You Can Help
Over the past 20 years, scientists have recorded a steep decline in the population of monarch butterflies, believed to be caused by habitat loss and increased use of herbicides. Their numbers fluctuate from year to year, and in 2018 they showed signs of recovery.
You can help monarch butterflies continue to recover by planting native milkweeds and nectar-producing plants in your garden and avoiding the use of herbicides.
Erected by Smithsonian Gardens, Smithsonian Institution.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment. A significant historical year for this entry is 2018.
Location. 38° 53.329′ N, 77° 1.349′ W. Marker is in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in The National Mall. Marker is on Jefferson Drive Southwest
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Yoko Ono (a few steps from this marker); For Gordon Bunshaft, 2006, fabricated 2007-2008 (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to the Hirshhorn Museum's Sculpture Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Double Candle, 2018 (within shouting distance of this marker); We Come in Peace, 2018 (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Welcome to the Hirshhorn Museum's Sculpture Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to the Hirshhorn Museum's Plaza (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Welcome to the Hirshhorn Museum's Sculpture Garden (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Southwest Washington.
Regarding Monarchs on the Move. Additional sections of the marker that do not refer to historical events have not been transcribed.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 24, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 88 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 24, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
