Festival de la Monarca Guided Hike

Join Shirley Heinze and The Nature Conservancy on a guided monarch butterfly hike lead by Mari Patis.

Each fall as temperatures begin to drop in North America, fill the skies. Monarchs travel their way south to the oyamel fir forests of Michoacán, Mexico at 100 miles per day.

We welcome all ages to accompany us on a butterfly hike partnering with The Nature Conservancy. Given that this guided hike starts at 4pm, this is a great time to observe nature’s pollinators. Let’s celebrate the Monarch’s migration at the Grand Calumet River Conservation Area in Hammond, Indiana.

Together we will tour a 1.3-mile loop trail to observe monarchs, other butterflies and explore the abundance of native flowers in this beautifully restored natural area. This hike will also showcase restoration successes at this 50-acre globally rare dune and swale habitat site. Note: the trail is relatively flat terrain.

Additionally, for a richer experience, download the Seek App in advance from Google Play or the Apple App Store.

To continue the celebration, join the migration of Monarch Butterfly at the Fifth Annual Festival de la Monarca. By all means, bring your family and friends on Saturday, September 17 from 11:00am-5:pm located at Kosciuszko Park, East Chicago. It’s FREE and open to all! East Chicago community members have curated fun activities, music, art, dance and food. This festival—which also coincides with National Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States—invites you to celebrate the beautiful monarch butterfly as they journey to Michoacán.

In partnership with The Nature Conservancy in Indiana.