Life Explorers Speaker Series: Monarchs in Florida: How You Can Help

Topic: Monarchs in Florida: Understanding Their Story and How You Can Help

Speaker: Stacey Matrazzo

Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025

Doors open: 9:45 A.M.

Program Time: 10:00 - 11:30 A.M.

Location: Azaela Lodge, Mead Botanical Garden, 1300 S. Denning Drive Winter Park, FL

Cost: Free - Join us for refreshments and conversation

Monarchs in Florida: Understanding Their Story and How You Can Help

Why do some monarchs migrate while others stay put in Florida year-round? This talk explores the differences between North, Central and South Florida monarch populations, as well as migratory and non-migratory groups. We’ll uncover the controversy surrounding tropical milkweed, the importance of native milkweeds, and why they’re so hard to find. Most importantly, you’ll learn practical, science-backed ways to support monarchs and help ensure their survival for generations to come.

Matrazzo joined the Florida Wildower Foundation in 2015. She is an environmental educator with a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and a master’s degree in liberal studies from Rollins College, where she is also an adjunct professor. She is the co-author of Native Plants for Florida Gardens which she wrote with botanist/ restoration ecologist Nancy Bissett. A native Floridian and certied Florida Master Naturalist, she spends her free time kayaking, hiking, birding and photographing Florida’s natural environments.

The Life Explorers Speakers Series is held in the Azalea Lodge of Mead Botanical Garden from 10-11:30 a.m. The program is free of charge with light refreshments and coffee served.

To reserve a spot, please visit eventbrite.com. For additional informationon Mead Botanical Garden and the Life Explorer’s Series, please visit www.Meadgarden.org

Host or Publisher Mead Botanical Garden, Inc.