SAN DIEGO — The population of the beautiful monarch butterfly has collapsed and is at a critical stage. The Four Seasons in Carlsbad decided that they could help and lead by example and they have planted a butterfly garden right in the middle of the Seasons Restaurant.
"The hotel has really great ties to our environmental effort and that's where the idea for the Butterfly Garden was born," said Jennifer Schmelzle at the Seasons Restaurant at Four Seasons .
The monarch butterfly population is at a critical level in California - down 99% from 30 years ago.
"We understand the plight of the Monarchs, they were suffering. Through our partnership with Butterfly Farms, we could step up and do something and hopefully make a difference," Schmelzle explained.
Guests like Ron Ross are noticing.
"Oh, it's absolutely magnificent. I had no idea this was a breeding ground for monarch butterflies," he said.
Success has arrived with 12 monarchs emerging and more on the way.
Happy Hour is the hook. Chef Tom Prescott and his team have created an inspired menu that taps into the beauty of the monarch butterfly. The monarch experience extends across the entire property and includes the whole family.
"We want to educate; we want to teach the younger generation that every small bit helps," said Schmelzle.
The menu is geared around Happy Hour and 10% off the cocktail menu goes to Butterfly Farms in Encinitas.
Watch Related: Monarch Butterfly population declining (Feb 2021)