A Collaborative Restoration Effort
Kilbride Nature Sanctuary is undergoing a large scale native grassland restoration led by the Southeastern Grasslands Institute in partnership with the sanctuary. As part of this effort, the Tennessee Valley Chapter of the North American Butterfly Association is working alongside these partners to develop the Monarch Waystation, adding native milkweeds and other pollinator friendly plants that strengthen the restoration while creating essential habitat for monarch butterflies and many other pollinators.
About the project
The Monarch Waystation Project focuses on establishing a diverse community of regionally appropriate native grasses, wildflowers, and milkweeds that provide food and breeding habitat for monarch butterflies and many other pollinators. Restoring native grassland is a long term process, and each stage of the project plays an important role in creating a healthy, resilient ecosystem.
As the habitat matures, the restoration will become a living classroom where visitors can experience the beauty of native ecosystems while learning about pollinator conservation, habitat restoration, and the important role native plants play in supporting wildlife.
Kilbride Nature Sanctuary provides an exceptional setting for this restoration project. With its commitment to conservation, environmental education, and stewardship, the sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to demonstrate how native habitat restoration benefits both wildlife and people.
Project goals
- Restore native grassland using regionally appropriate native plants.
- Expand breeding habitat for monarch butterflies by establishing native milkweeds.
- Support a diverse community of pollinators and other wildlife.
- Inspire conservation through education and outreach.
- Engage the community through volunteer opportunities and habitat restoration.
📅 Project Timeline
January 2026
Native seed installation completed.
Summer 2026
The restoration continues to develop as native grasses and wildflowers establish healthy root systems.
September 2026 (Planned)
Additional locally sourced milkweed plugs will be planted to expand monarch breeding habitat.
🌱 Latest Update
The Monarch Waystation Project continues to make steady progress.
Following the initial native seed installation, the project has now entered the establishment phase, one of the most important stages of native habitat restoration. Unlike traditional landscaping, restoring a native meadow requires patience. Most native grassland restorations take about three years to become well established.
Although much of the progress is happening below ground, native grasses and wildflowers are developing deep root systems that will support a healthy and resilient ecosystem for years to come. Each growing season strengthens the habitat and brings the meadow one step closer to becoming the thriving Monarch Waystation we envisioned from the beginning.
Watching a native meadow develop is one of the most rewarding parts of the journey. As the plants continue to mature, they will provide increasingly valuable habitat for monarch butterflies, native bees, and many other pollinators while creating a beautiful and sustainable landscape for future generations to enjoy.
🦋 What’s Next?
The next phase of the project is planned for September 2026.
This fall, we’ll continue strengthening the Monarch Waystation by planting additional locally sourced milkweed plugs throughout the restoration area.
Milkweed is the only plant monarch butterflies use to lay their eggs, making it an essential part of successful monarch habitat. By adding more locally sourced milkweed, we’ll continue improving breeding habitat while helping the meadow become even more valuable for monarch butterflies and other pollinators.
🙋 Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers play an important role in the success of this project.
As we prepare for our September planting, we’ll be announcing volunteer opportunities for anyone who would like to help expand the Monarch Waystation. Whether you’re passionate about monarch butterflies, native plants, conservation, or simply enjoy spending time outdoors while making a difference, we’d love to have you join us.
Please check back for volunteer updates and additional details as the planting date approaches.
📸 Follow the Project
We’ll continue sharing Monarch Waystation Project updates here on the Tennessee Valley NABA website as the project progresses.
You can also follow @twu_kilbride on Instagram to see habitat restoration projects, wildlife, educational programs, volunteer opportunities, special events, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of life at the sanctuary. You’ll also find updates on the Monarch Waystation Project as the restoration continues to grow.
Thank you for supporting monarch butterfly conservation and native habitat restoration. We’re excited to share the progress of this project with you over the coming years.
Project Partners
