Caring for Creation, One Butterfly at a Time

Marianist Brothers Stan Zubek, Richard Schrader, and Esteban Reyes from the Marianist Family Retreat Center, Cape May Point, NJ, created the Milkweed garden to care for the Monarch butterflies. They also tag these butterflies during their amazing migration journey from North America to Mexico.

At the Marianist Family Retreat Center – Mary’s House, we believe that caring for the environment is part of our mission. Brothers Stan Zubek, Richard Schrader, and Esteban Reyes began a special project to support the amazing migration of monarch butterflies. This year alone, we helped 22 monarch butterflies and tagged 25 to track their incredible journey.

The brothers have joined the University of Kansas’ Monarch Tagging Program, which helps monitor the long journey of monarchs to Mexico—gathering vital data about their migratory routes, survival, and habitat needs. In our Friendly Garden, @MFRCGARDEN, we have raised 18 monarch butterflies, seven of them from our own garden! (Total number, 25)

We’ve planted flowers that monarchs love—especially the vibrant Mexican sunflower and yellow cosmos.

We continue to share this journey on our YouTube channel, inviting everyone to celebrate and protect these fragile travelers. Together, we can help ensure that monarchs keep filling our skies on their way to Mexico. 

Update sent by Br. Esteban Reyes, SM,

Ministry Lead, MFEP

Marianist Family Retreat Center, Cape May Point, NJ