Huntington Beach’s Central Park is home to countless species, including the annual migration of monarch butterflies that fill our trees each year. The city conducted a study on how the planned light show installation will impact birds, butterflies, and other wildlife—but we haven’t seen the results.

We have the right to this information! Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), you can request a copy of the study to understand exactly how this project will affect our local ecosystem.

Take action today!
Visit City Hall and ask the clerk to submit a FOIA request for the study. Let’s hold them accountable and ensure our park remains a safe haven for wildlife!

Artificial lights can significantly impact butterflies and their migration patterns, including monarchs. Here’s how:

1. Disrupting Navigation
Monarch butterflies use the sun and natural light cues to navigate during migration. Artificial lights can disorient them, causing them to stray off course or delay their journey.

2. Altering Resting Behavior
Monarchs roost in trees at night during migration. Bright artificial lights can disrupt their natural resting cycles, making them more vulnerable to exhaustion and predators. (Photo above is a tree in Central Park)

3. Interfering with Reproduction
Studies show that light pollution affects insect circadian rhythms, which can disrupt feeding, mating, and reproduction cycles.

4. Impacting Food Sources
Artificial light can also affect the plants and flowers that butterflies rely on, disrupting blooming cycles and reducing food availability.

If the light show in HB’s Central Park involves bright, constant, or flashing lights, it could have serious consequences for the monarchs and other wildlife in the area. This is why accessing the environmental impact study through a FOIA request is crucial!