Wisconsin Inmates Raise 100 Monarch Butterflies in Unique Program

At Redgranite Correctional Institution in Wisconsin, a group of inmates has taken on the task of raising and releasing monarch butterflies. Now in its second year, the Refuge for Growth, Change and Inspiration Monarch Program involves 20 participants. It was launched in 2025 by recreation leader Carrie Jahnke. In 2026, the program received 100 monarch caterpillars from Monarch Watch, an increase from the 60 raised the year before. This effort gives the men a sense of purpose while aiding the conservation of a species that has seen its population decline across Wisconsin.

The program grew from a desire to offer inmates alternative activities, particularly for those who do not participate in physical sports. To house the project, a dedicated lepidopterum, or butterfly-raising facility, was constructed at RGCI. From June through September, the inmates manage the daily care of the caterpillars, which includes changing out fresh leaves, recording data on eggs, and tagging the butterflies before release. This hands-on work provides an education on the monarch life cycle and the vital role pollinators play in the wider ecosystem.

Those involved have met the work with enthusiasm, often finding a sense of pride in their contribution to nature. One inmate, Nathan Lecker, shared his enjoyment of the program, noting his childhood experiences of raising caterpillars. Beyond the daily care, the program provides educational materials on monarch biology and pollinator-friendly plants. The prison has also adjusted its own landscaping, introducing flower beds designed to support the butterflies once they are released into the wild.

The environmental impact is notable, as the project directly addresses the shrinking monarch population. By participating in these conservation activities, the inmates develop a sense of responsibility and a connection to the world outside the prison walls. Shelly Torkelson, communications director for the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, praised the initiative, emphasizing the importance of involving diverse groups in conservation efforts. The program supports the survival of the monarchs while encouraging personal growth and rehabilitation for the men involved.

Looking ahead, the future of the Monarch Program at RGCI appears steady, with plans to expand and increase the number of caterpillars raised each year. Participants have expressed a strong interest in staying involved, suggesting the project has a lasting appeal. As the challenges facing monarch butterflies become better known, this initiative serves as a model for how correctional facilities can integrate conservation into their routines. It highlights a path toward rehabilitation through community service and environmental care.