Find Your Latitudes... Butterflies in Pismo Beach, California
Pismo Beach Butterfly Preserve
On January 12, 2022, I had the privilege of witnessing one of nature’s most delicate and awe-inspiring migrations: the monarch butterflies gathered at Pismo Beach Preserve. That winter, the clusters were plentiful, and for the first time in years, hope seemed to return to these fragile wings. After seasons of decline, 2022 marked a good year for the monarchs—a shimmering reminder of resilience in the natural world.
Walking through the preserve that morning, I was surrounded by a living tapestry of orange and black. The butterflies clustered by the thousands in the eucalyptus groves, their wings opening and closing in rhythmic harmony with the light filtering through the leaves. It was as though the trees themselves had been adorned with jewels, each butterfly a tiny ember glowing against the cool winter air.
The premiere photograph from this experience, “Butterfly Gathering,” captures the essence of that moment—the stillness of the forest, the hush of the breeze, and the miraculous sight of monarchs resting together in unity. This image has become one of our gallery’s featured works, displayed in a large framed canvas that invites viewers to step into that sacred pause and feel the wonder for themselves.
For me, this photograph is not only about the beauty of butterflies but also about the spirit of preservation. Monarchs remind us of the importance of protecting wild spaces, of creating room for life to flourish, and of cherishing the fleeting moments when nature reveals her grace so abundantly.
When you visit Latitudes Gallery, I invite you to spend time with “Butterfly Gathering.” Let the monarchs carry you into a place of stillness and wonder, and may their resilience inspire your own journey.
