THE MONARCH PROGRAM FACILITY
The Monarch Program facility is located in Encinitas, 20 miles north of San Diego, California. The Butterfly Vivarium is an outdoor butterfly house. The enclosure is a netted and plastic structure (1,200 sq. ft.) with redwood chip pathways, ponds, water falls, several eucalyptus and ficus trees, numerous flowering nectar plants, and butterfly host plants. The Vivarium was built in December of 1991 and has been developed and expanded through the years. Today, it serves as an eco-biosphere for native butterflies.
In our greenhouse, next to the Butterfly Vivarium, we grow thousands of milkweed plants, as well as hundreds of host plants for other butterfly species, and some flowering nectar plants. Through the years we have become knowledgeable about pest control and specific requirements for cultivating various plant species.
During the weekdays from April through November we sponsor field trips. On Saturdays, we are open to the public from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, or by appointment (including the winter months). In the summer, we are open to the public on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. When the public visits, we have interpretative specialists to answer questions, show videos, and give brief guided tours. Admission is $6.00 adult, $5.00 teens and seniors, $4.00 children 4 - 12. 3 and under is free. All proceeds are considered a donation to the organization.
Our facility is at 450 Ocean View Ave. in Encinitas, 20 miles north of San Diego, California. From Interstate 5, take the Leucadia Blvd. exit west, turn left onto Orpheus Ave., left on Union St., and right on Ocean View Ave. We are located on the right side of the street.