City of College Station Blog

By Kelli Nesbitt, Parks & Recreation Marketing Coordinator

Each spring, one of nature’s most remarkable migrations passes through Texas.

The offspring of monarchs that overwintered in Mexico will soon begin their multi-generational journey to the northern United States and Canada. College Station and communities across Texas are fortunate to witness the spectacular migration each year.

To celebrate the iconic butterfly, the College Station Parks and Recreation Department invites the community to its annual Monarch March on Saturday, March 28, from 9 a.m.-noon at the Gary Halter Nature Center.

The free, family-friendly, come-and-go event features educational booths, games and helpful tips for creating a waystation or butterfly garden at home.

Here’s what to expect:

• Learn about the monarch’s life cycle and legendary migration through hands-on activities.
• Pick up free native plant seeds that benefit pollinators.
• Help support Lick Creek conservation with seed ball tosses and plantings.
• Enjoy pollinator-themed activities and games with BCS Stewards of the Wild.
• Run a monarch obstacle course with the Brazos Valley Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists and learn about the threats monarchs face.
• Shop the Post Oak Chapter of the Native Plant Society plant sale. Sales start at 9 a.m., and supplies are limited.
• Learn how climate affects insect populations with the BCS Citizens’ Climate Lobby Group.
• Create a native seed ball with the Girl Scouts.
• Discover how to help monarchs and other wildlife by using your phone or smart device to join iNaturalist.
• Take part in a pollinator scavenger hunt, bug yoga, milkweed maker craft, butterfly symmetry art, migration games and more.
• Walk the new monarch-themed trail in Butterfly Alley and learn about the butterflies’ incredible journey and how you can help.
• Learn about invasive plants and help remove a few from the gardens to give native milkweed and pollinator plants room to grow.

Additional parking is available at the Lick Creek equestrian entrance off Rock Prairie Road.

Looking for More?

Get a preview of this community favorite at Roots to Wings: Supporting Pollinators with Native Texas Plants on Thursday, March 26, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. at the Gary Halter Nature Center.

The Brazos Valley Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists will highlight the Post Oak Pollinator Plant Project. The new native plant marker installation supports monarchs, hummingbirds, bees and other pollinators.

You’ll also learn how native plants help pollinators thrive, discover simple ways to support them in your own yard, and celebrate the impact of local conservation efforts. Admission is free and registration is not required.

Join us in welcoming the iconic black-and-orange butterflies back to Aggieland!

About the Blogger

Kelli Nesbitt has served the Parks & Recreation Department for 19 years, including 12 years as marketing coordinator. She also served 1.5 years as the marketing and community engagement specialist for the City of Bryan from 2023-25. A Bryan native, Nesbitt earned a bachelor’s degree in health & kinesiology from Sam Houston State.

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