A creative program at a Wisconsin prison offers inmates a meaningful way to give back by raising monarch butterflies, a species struggling to survive in the region.
- Inmates raise and release monarch butterflies during summer months
- Program provides education on butterflies, pollinators, and conservation
- Monarch-friendly gardens support butterflies after release
What happened
The Refuge for Growth, Change and Inspiration Monarch Program was launched in 2025 at Redgranite Correctional Institute (RGCI) in Wisconsin, offering inmates a chance to care for declining monarch butterfly populations. Throughout the summer months of June to September, about 20 prisoners participate in raising monarch caterpillars received from a nearby breeding center. They tend to the butterflies by providing fresh leaves, tracking eggs, and tagging the insects to support conservation efforts.
This initiative grew out of a desire to involve inmates who could not engage in physical activities like sports. The program also includes educational materials about monarchs and their ecosystems. Correctional staff have enhanced the prison grounds with pollinator-friendly flower beds, creating a welcoming habitat for butterflies once they are released after emerging from their chrysalises.
Why it feels good
Inmates have embraced the delicate work of nurturing monarchs, finding a sense of contribution and responsibility in the process. Participants enjoy being part of a conservation effort that extends beyond the prison walls and impacts the larger community. One inmate reflected on the personal meaning of the program, recalling earlier experiences with monarchs and expressing pride in making a difference from inside the facility.
Experts in conservation applaud the collaboration, noting that monarch butterfly populations have been declining for years. By involving prisoners, the program not only aids environmental recovery but also fosters personal growth and inspiration among the inmate population, representing a unique win-win outcome.
What to enjoy or watch next
This summer, the program is supporting over 100 monarch caterpillars, an increase from the previous year’s 60. Observers can look forward to the butterflies’ annual migration hundreds of miles south to Mexico, a journey that begins with the nurturing they receive inside RGCI. The tagging and data collected by inmates contribute valuable information for broader conservation strategies.
Beyond this project, other prison programs nationwide have found success in involving inmates in caring for animals and nature, demonstrating the value of such rehabilitative and educational activities. Following the monarchs’ journey and the continued growth of these programs offers a hopeful perspective on community, nature, and redemption.