Monarch Tagging and Release

Location of Hungry Mother State Park in Virginia

Where

Program Location: Boat Ramp off of Mitchell Valley Road
Main Park Address: Hungry Mother State Park, 2854 Park Blvd., Marion, VA 24354.

When

Sept. 26, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

See if you can spot the round sticker on the monarch as it begins its journey south. Ellen Reynolds from Beagle Ridge Herb Farm will delight audiences as she discusses the life cycle of the monarch butterfly. She will show us all the stages of a butterfly’s life and explain how these tiny insects make the incredible journey all the way to Mexico to overwinter. To cap off the program, participants will have the opportunity to help release a few butterflies as they begin their migration south.

Afterwards, help park staff gather native milkweed seeds to plant at the park and use in programs throughout the year. You will also have the chance to take some seeds home to plant in your own backyard.

monarch tag

About National Public Lands Day

Virginia State Parks celebrates National Public Lands Day each September by inviting volunteers and visitors to take part in the largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands in the country. Join in preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the state’s public lands through a variety of hands-on activities, including trail maintenance, tree plantings, invasive species removal, litter clean-ups and educational programs on the importance of conservation. Parking fees are waived at most Virginia State Parks for National Public Lands Day (excludes Grayson Highlands and the admission fee at Natural Bridge and Southwest Virginia Museum).

Other details

Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes.
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 276-781-7400
Email Address: HungryMother@dcr.virginia.gov