Monarch butterflies are some of nature’s most amazing travelers, migrating thousands of miles each year. Sadly, they’re losing much of the habitat they need to survive. This waystation, created by the Henderson County Master Gardener Interns, helps give them a fighting chance.

Here at the East Texas Arboretum, this special garden is designed just for monarchs. It’s filled with nectar-rich flowers for energy, shelter for rest, and milkweed—the only plant where monarchs lay their eggs and caterpillars can grow.

Click for a complete list of plants in the Monarch Waystation

Waystations like this one are important because they provide safe spots for monarchs to refuel and reproduce along their long journey. They also support bees and other pollinators that keep our gardens and crops thriving.

We hope this space inspires you to plant a few pollinator-friendly flowers at home. Even small gardens can make a big difference when they connect across the landscape. Together, we can help monarchs continue their incredible migration for years to come.

Monarch Waystation Certification

In an exciting milestone, the Waystation is now officially certified through MonarchWatch.org, a national organization that recognizes and tracks efforts to restore monarch habitats across North America. This certification confirms that the site meets the critical requirements to support the monarch’s full life cycle and serves as part of a growing network of conservation-focused habitats.

The Henderson County Master Gardener Monarch Waystation is located within the East Texas Arboretum located at 1601 Patterson Rd, Athens, TX 75751 

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