Wisconsin inmates raise monarch butterflies behind bars, helping a species in decline

Inmates at Redgranite Correctional Institution in Wisconsin are giving back to the community by raising monarch butterflies. 

Here's what to know

According to Good News Network, program organizer Carrie Jahnke started the Refuge for Growth, Change, and Inspiration Monarch Program in 2025 after searching for an option for inmates who were unable to take part in sports. 

In its second year, the program runs seasonally from June through September using a custom-built lepidopterarium — an enclosure designed for raising and releasing butterflies. This year, about 20 inmates in the program handled 100 caterpillars — 40 more than in its first year.

Each season, the prison gets monarch caterpillars from Monarch Watch, a nearby breeding center. The participants work in groups and handle tasks such as replacing leaves, collecting egg data, and tagging butterflies before they are released.

With monarch populations falling in Wisconsin, the project contributes to larger, necessary conservation efforts. The information gathered also helps guide conservation work as the butterflies get ready for their migration to Mexico.

More background

Jahnke provides educational materials on monarchs, pollinator plants, and horticulture. The program gives inmates an opportunity to develop new skills while helping support local ecosystems.

Correctional Department landscapers have also added monarch-friendly flower beds around the prison grounds so the butterflies have extra support after they emerge from their chrysalises. It usually takes just two to three days for them to build up their strength before they are ready for their long flight south.

What's being done?

Shelly Torkelson, communications director for the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, said the foundation helped build the lepidopterarium inside the facility, per Good News Network.

"I enjoy being part of this program and being able to give back to the community," inmate Nathan Lecker told Corrections1. "We can make a big impact from the inside."

Where can I learn more?

These related stories look at other efforts to protect monarchs.

• In Mission Creek Correctional Facility in Washington, incarcerated women are raising endangered butterfly larvae as part of rehabilitation.

• Federal officials are weighing endangered species protection for monarchs, affecting landowners nationwide.

• Conservationists say monarch butterflies are now endangered, and milkweed planting can still help.

• In Mexico, volunteers are protecting a threatened sanctuary after astonishing discoveries among monarchs.

• Home gardeners are using a no-fuss method to help monarchs thrive in pots and small spaces.

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