Monarch Zones
The Monarch Zones (MZs) program helps individuals and communities to become active participants in the conservation of monarch butterflies. With tools like BioTents™ and Outdoor Lifecycle Kits, and expert support, anyone can create pollinator-friendly habitats. Join the growing network of Monarch Zones and experience the wonder of raising monarchs while contributing to the repopulation of these iconic butterflies
About Monarch Zones
The Monarch Zones (MZs) program helps individuals and communities to become active participants in the conservation of monarch butterflies. With tools like the BioTent™ and expert support, anyone can create pollinator-friendly habitats.
Monarch zones are located in parks, schools, homes, businesses, wherever people live and work. Monarch Zone owners have the following goals:
- Raise and release monarchs with a natural rearing protocol using a BioTent™.
- Add significant habitat; gardens and prairies rich in native forbs, milkweed, and grasses.
- Educate themselves and others by taking full advantage of the Monarch Research staff and materials.
- Measure, assess, and report results to the Monarch Research team.
Becoming a Monarch Zone
With the purchase of a BioTent™ you automatically become a member of the Monarch Zones program. As a member, you gain access to expert support and guidance from the Monarch Research team to expand and grow your monarch rearing adventure. Join the growing network of Monarch Zones and experience the joy of raising monarchs while contributing to the repopulation of these iconic butterflies!
About the Monarch BioTent
A protected environment is essential to the successful rearing of monarch butterflies. Predation is the single largest factor in caterpillar mortality. Rates of survival will grow from less than 5% in the wild to over 80% in a protected enclosure. We have been fine-tuning the process so that you will be as successful as possible in raising butterflies
The Monarch Research team has spent considerable time over the past four years developing a rearing tent specifically for the monarch. The Monarch BiotTent™ is a super screen mesh tent, with a heavy zipper door, providing consistent airflow and temperature control while allowing rain flow for plants. We’ve tested this structure with milkweed, nectar plants, monarch butterfly eggs, caterpillars and paired mating monarchs with great success.
The BioTent comes in two sizes: 6×6 and a 9×9. These tents are sold exclusively through Monarch Research and are available for pick up at the Monarch Research Station in Marion, Iowa.
For buyers outside of the area, shipping can be arranged at buyer’s expense. Shipping costs vary depending on location and we do our best to find the most economical shipping methods. Please email us to coordinate shipping.
BioTent Resources
Not ready to become a Monarch Zone? Start with the Monarch Life Cycle Kit!
About the Monarch Life Cycle Kit
With Monarch Research’s Monarch Life Cycle Kit, you can now experience the joy of rearing Monarch butterflies on your porch, patio, balcony or deck. Observing a Monarch butterfly as it transforms itself from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly is truly awe-inspiring and a fantastic educational opportunity for kids of all ages.
When you purchase a Life Cycle Kit, you will receive everything you need to successfully rear Monarch butterflies following a simple, natural rearing protocol.
Your kit includes:
- Heavy-duty Monarch Life Cycle enclosure (you may receive a 15″x15″x30″ or a 14"x14"x24" enclosure)
- 1 container of established milkweed
- 2-4 Monarch caterpillars
- Carol Pasternak’s book, “How to Raise Monarch Butterflies”
- 10″ saucer to keep milkweed moist
- Small paint brush & spoon to safely transfer your Monarch caterpillars onto the milkweed plant
Monarch Life Cycle Kit Ordering - Now Taking Orders for the 2027 Season
We have reached the point in the year when we can longer accommodate MLK fulfillment in the 2026 season. However, you are welcome to make a purchase for the 2027 season!
Order now to reserve your MLK, and pickup from Monarch Research property in June/July 2027 - please make sure you provide an email address you check regularly at checkout so we can contact you with updates!
Milkweed and Caterpillar Refills - Now Taking Orders for the 2027 Season
We have reached the point in the year when we can longer accommodate milkweed and caterpillar refills in the 2026 season. However, if you are a current Monarch Zone or MLK owner, you are welcome to purchase a refill (one milkweed plant with three monarch caterpillars for $15) for the 2027 season!
Order now to reserve your milkweed and caterpillar refill, and pickup from Monarch Research property in June/July 2027 - please make sure you provide an email address you check regularly at checkout so we can contact you with updates!
