Under clear skies and warm September sunshine, the 11th Annual Monarch Migration Festival took place this past Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Lakeside Nature Center. The event drew families, nature lovers, and butterfly enthusiasts from across the region to celebrate the awe-inspiring journey of the Monarch butterfly.
Hosted by the University of Illinois Extension, the festival offered a vibrant mix of education and entertainment. Attendees learned about the Monarch’s epic migration to Mexico, participated in hands-on crafts, enjoyed story time sessions, and witnessed the magical moment of Monarch butterflies being tagged and released—marking the beginning of their long voyage south.
This year’s festival was made possible through the generous support and collaboration of community partners, including:
- City of Galesburg Parks & Recreation
- Galesburg Public Library
- Ms. Mariposa Butterfly Resource Bus, NP
- And a host of dedicated volunteers and local organizations
“The Monarch Migration Festival is a celebration of nature, community, and conservation,” said Kate Budde, Program Coordinator from University of Illinois Extension. “We’re proud to bring people together to learn about these incredible pollinators and the role we all play in protecting their habitat.”
Each year, the event grows in reach and impact, encouraging a new generation to connect with nature and take an active role in protecting the environment.
For more information about upcoming events and conservation efforts, visit extension.illinois.edu/hkmw.
