REDGRANITE, Wis. — Twenty inmates at Redgranite Correctional Institution are raising monarch butterflies and tracking their migration from the prison to Mexico.
The Refuge for Growth, Change and Inspiration Monarch Program includes a dedicated butterfly enclosure, pollinator gardens across the institution’s grounds and tagged monarchs that will travel thousands of miles to their winter habitat, according to a Wisconsin Department of Corrections news release.
Recreation Leader Carrie Jahnke launched the program in 2025 while searching for activities for inmates who may not participate in sports.
“I was looking for something that wasn’t focused on sports and would work well for residents who may have mobility concerns,” Jahnke said.
The program runs from June through September. Participants are divided into groups of five, with each group assigned a day to care for the monarchs. Their responsibilities include collecting data, cleaning and replacing leaves, and checking eggs and caterpillars.
Jahnke also provides weekly videos and other educational materials about monarchs, pollinator plants and horticulture.
“Residents really enjoy learning about the flowers needed for monarchs and the horticulture part of the program,” she said.
Program expands with new habitat
Redgranite received 100 monarch larvae from Monarch Watch in 2026, up from 60 in 2025. The institution also received a grant from the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin to build a permanent structure for raising the butterflies.
The structure includes two rearing cabinets and an open-air space planted with milkweed and other monarch-friendly flowers. Once the butterflies emerge, they spend two to three days in the enclosure building strength before being released.
Institution landscaping crews have also planted flowers around the grounds to provide additional habitat.
“Monarch butterfly populations have been declining for years, and it’s wonderful that RGCI is getting involved with efforts to conserve them,” said Shelly Torkelson, communications director for the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin.
Inmate Nathan Lecker joined the program after raising monarchs with his family as a child.
“I enjoy being part of this program and being able to give back to the community,” Lecker said. “We can make a big impact from the inside.”
