The Monarch Ultra Relay Run will be make its way through the region Wednesday and Thursday.
The relay started in Peterborough on September 19 and has made its way through Ontario's southwest.
"It's an 1,800 km relay run to raise awareness for monarchs and other pollinators. It's also a way to engage with communities to protect and conserve nature," said relay co-founder Carlotta James.
On Wednesday morning around 8 a.m., Kirsten Corrigal from Peterborough will run 50 kilometers from Leamington into Kingsville, Harrow and Amherstburg. The baton will then be passed to two Kingsville residents, Jody and Steve Sonoski who will run 30 kilometers into Windsor. A map of the runners' route can be found here.
James is encouraging everyone to do their part to protect monarchs.
"Plant pollinator gardens that include host plants. One of the host plants for monarch butterflies is milk weed and so if you plant milkweed you will get monarchs," said James.
This year's run is raising funds toward Camp Kawartha, a non-profit organization that offers nature education programming for youth. The goal is to raise $10,000 for the camp. Donations can be made here.
Following Wednesday's leg of the relay, runners will head back to Chatham and continue on until ending up in Barrie on October 9, 2021.