Only a small number of Monarch butterflies have been observed at Springbrook State Park.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources Interpretive Naturalist and Educator Anne Riordan says that while the number of most pollinating insects has been high this year, conversely, Monarch butterflies aren’t very abundant this year.

“I’ve only seen, really a couple of Monarch caterpillars, and maybe just a handful of adult Monarch butterflies. So that is concerning. Of course, I know that they had a lower overwintering number this past winter, and across the state, we’re just not seeing very many Monarchs.”

Riordan mentions that in talks with other naturalists, Monarch numbers are low across the state as well. She adds that it’s not just Monarchs that are hard to find, but butterfly numbers in general are lower than normal.