The monarch butterfly is known as the “King of Butterflies” and September is considered “Monarch Month” as the butterflies migrating south for their winter home in Mexico.

During the month, the numbers of monarch butterflies will be increasing in the Johnson County area. Sadly, the number of monarch butterflies is in sharp decline for many reasons, including loss of milkweed along its journey north as well as loss of forests in Mexico.

The monarch butterfly is included in the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. Also warranted is consideration of the monarch butterfly to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

More information about monarch butterflies will be shared at the “Hasta Luego Monarchs” event by the Johnson County Extension Master Naturalists.

The free, public event will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at the Pollinator Prairie, 320 S. Blake St., Olathe.

Activities will feature demonstrations by Monarch Watch, including tagging and releasing monarchs along with other exhibits on the monarch butterfly and fun games for children.