A Shared Vision for Conservation
The Monarch Waystation at Kilbride Nature Sanctuary is part of a larger native grassland restoration taking place on the property. The overall restoration is being led by the Southeastern Grasslands Institute in partnership with Kilbride Nature Sanctuary with the shared goal of restoring native habitat and increasing biodiversity across the landscape.
The Monarch Waystation Project is a collaborative effort between Kilbride Nature Sanctuary, the Southeastern Grasslands Institute, and the Tennessee Valley Chapter of the North American Butterfly Association. Together, we’re creating a landscape that provides essential habitat for monarch butterflies while supporting a wide variety of native pollinators and other wildlife.
Why a Monarch Waystation?
Monarch butterflies depend on healthy native habitat throughout their incredible migration. Unfortunately, much of that habitat has disappeared over time.
The Monarch Waystation at Kilbride Nature Sanctuary is helping change that by establishing native milkweeds and nectar rich wildflowers that provide everything monarchs need to complete their life cycle. Milkweed serves as the only host plant for monarch caterpillars, while native wildflowers provide nectar for adult butterflies throughout the growing season.
As the meadow matures, it will become an increasingly valuable refuge for monarch butterflies, native bees, butterflies, moths, and many other pollinators.
A Living Restoration
Native grassland restoration doesn’t happen overnight. Unlike a traditional garden, a restored meadow develops over several years. During the early stages, much of the growth happens below ground as native grasses and wildflowers establish deep root systems that will support a healthy ecosystem for decades to come.
Although the transformation may seem gradual, every growing season brings the habitat one step closer to becoming a thriving native landscape filled with flowers, butterflies, and other wildlife.
Latest Project Update
The restoration continues to develop as native grasses and wildflowers establish healthy root systems across the site.
The next phase of the project is planned for September 2026, when additional locally sourced milkweed plugs will be planted throughout the restoration area. These new plantings will strengthen breeding habitat for monarch butterflies while adding even more diversity to the growing meadow.
Volunteer opportunities will be announced as the planting date approaches.
Follow the Journey
We’ll continue sharing updates here as the Monarch Waystation grows and new milestones are reached.
To learn more about Kilbride Nature Sanctuary, visit their website and follow @twu_kilbride on Instagram for habitat restoration projects, wildlife, educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and other exciting things happening throughout the sanctuary.
To explore the important work of the Southeastern Grasslands Institute, visit their website to learn how they’re restoring and conserving one of North America’s most endangered ecosystems through research, education, and habitat restoration.
To learn more about the Tennessee Valley Chapter of the North American Butterfly Association, visit their website for information about butterfly conservation, educational programs, field trips, and volunteer opportunities throughout the Tennessee Valley.