Monarch Tagging

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Engage in community science by helping tag monarch butterflies! This fun and educational activity is perfect for all ages and helps biologists track the monarch migration down to Mexico. Drop in at our pop-up tent outside the main entrance at anytime to get all your supplies! No previous experience required. This is a drop-in program. Please check website for program cancellation.

Questions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900 (press 1 to reach Visitor Services).

Date and Time: Saturday, August 23, 2025 from 10am-2pm

Location: Meet us at the tent in front of the Rapids Lake Visitor Center.

15865 Rapids Lake Rd, Carver, MN 55315

Registration Information: This is a drop-in program.

Activity Level: This program is entirely outdoors, with the option to go inside the visitor center and rest as desired.

The activity is easy-active and at your own pace.

What to Bring: Long pants and closed-toed shoes are recommended. Sunscreen and bug spray are also recommended.

Accessibility: Accessibility at the Rapids Lake Visitor Center:

Restrooms and a water bottle filler are available inside the visitor center. There is an outdoor restroom, but no outdoor water fountains. There is dedicated handicap parking available. The Rapids Lake Trail and Forest Loop are flat natural surface paths and the trail leading to both is paved with a slight downward slope. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer) or snowy (winter). Paths may not always be suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. It is a 0.1-0.2 mile walk to get to the trailhead from the parking lot. There are no rest areas along the trails, but are present inside and outside the visitor center.

Participants will have the option to go off-trail into tallgrass prairie around the building to capture monarchs for tagging.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to these events for all participants. Please direct all requests for sign language interpreting services, close captioning, or other accommodation needs at least ten business days before the event to Oscar Hernandez at oscar_hernandez@fws.gov.