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National Water Rebates

Monarch Watch Waystation Certification

A Monarch Waystation is a garden that provides milkweed and nectar plants for monarch butterflies during their annual migration. Monarch Watch, based at the University of Kansas, runs the registration program. The $18 application fee covers processing and adds your habitat to the national online registry. Registration includes a Certificate of Recognition mailed via USPS. The aluminum waystation sign is a separate purchase.

Common steps for every program in this guide

  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.
  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.
  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.

Full application guide for Monarch Watch Waystation: required documents and how to avoid rejection

Rebates available

Monarch Watch Waystation Certification FAQs

How large does a Monarch Waystation have to be?
Monarch Watch does not publish a strict minimum square footage. Even a small patch with milkweed and a few nectar plants qualifies. The key requirements are intentional planting and no pesticides that harm monarchs.
Does the Waystation registration include a sign?
No. The $18 registration covers the Certificate of Recognition and your online registry listing only. The aluminum Monarch Waystation sign is sold separately from the Monarch Watch shop.
Can my HOA block a Monarch Waystation?
The registration certificate does not legally override HOA rules. However, it is useful documentation at architectural review meetings. In states with HOA xeriscape protection laws (Texas, California, Colorado, Nevada), native plantings are protected from outright bans. Keep the planting well-maintained and borders clearly defined.
Is tropical milkweed acceptable for a Waystation?
Monarch Watch discourages tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) in most of the US because it can remain green year-round in warm climates and may disrupt monarch migration. Native milkweed species are strongly preferred. If you have tropical milkweed already, cutting it back in fall allows it to die back naturally.

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Every program listed cites its official source, and each program page shows the date we last verified it against that source. Program details change throughout the year, so always confirm requirements, amounts, and eligibility directly with the program before starting work. Pollinator Patch is not affiliated with any rebate program and does not guarantee approval.