How to Apply for Monarch Watch Waystation Certification
Registration is $18 and includes a Certificate of Recognition. The aluminum sign is sold separately. Most pollinator gardens qualify with minor adjustments.
Application Steps
- 1
Plant milkweed native to your region
Choose a milkweed species native to your area. Monarch Watch strongly recommends avoiding tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) in most of the US due to its effect on migration behavior.
Monarch Watch milkweed resources - 2
Add nectar plants that bloom across seasons
Plant natives that flower from early spring through late fall to support adult monarchs at multiple points in their migration. Coneflowers, native sages, and native asters are good starting points.
- 3
Complete the online registration
Visit the Monarch Watch shop and complete the Waystation Certification Application. The $18 non-refundable fee covers processing and adds your habitat to the online registry.
Register your Waystation ($18) - 4
Receive your Certificate of Recognition
Monarch Watch mails a Certificate of Recognition with your name and assigned Waystation ID. The registry is updated periodically and can take several weeks to reflect your new listing. The aluminum sign is a separate purchase from the Monarch Watch shop.
Register a Monarch Waystation
Full Program Details
See amounts, eligibility requirements, qualifying plants, and FAQs on the full program page.
Monarch Watch Waystation Certification — full guide