Families enjoy planting pollinator plants at Ventura Land Trust’s Big Rock Preserve during Monarch Madness. Courtesy photos.
VENTURA — On Sat., March 30, from 9 a.m. – 12 noon, the Ventura Land Trust (VLT) will host “Monarch Madness” – a family-friendly pollinator planting event at the Big Rock Nature Preserve along the Ventura River. This 4th annual free open-to-the-public event is made possible by funding from SoCalGas.
VLT will demonstrate how to plant milkweed and other pollinator plants and provide attendees with instruction, gardening gloves, shovels, native plants and mulch. Special guest and monarch butterfly enthusiast, Juliana Danaus, will talk about the importance of protecting butterfly habitat and demonstrate how to make milkweed seed balls and VLT will unveil “Dug,” their shiny new tractor.
“SoCalGas is committed to environmental preservation and proud to partner with Ventura Land Trust,” said Maria Ventura, SoCalGas Public Affairs Manager. “We encourage the community join us at Monarch Madness for a fun morning of environmental education and outdoor activities.”
Ventura Land Trust plants and nurtures native plants and trees that provide habitat, food, and shelter for the wide variety of pollinator animals, birds, butterflies, and bees. Nectar-producing plants also provide many animals with the energy needed for their long migratory journeys. Due to the use of pesticides and the overdevelopment of natural areas that include pollinator plants, many native bees and butterflies are on the decline. Planting events like Monarch Madness support the survival of many species.
This event is appropriate for people of all ages but children must be accompanied by an adult. Attendees should wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, long pants, a hat, sunscreen and bring a water bottle. The Big Rock Nature Preserve is located off Highway 33 along the Ojai-Ventura Bike Trail, just south of Foster Park. Participants may park free at Foster Park on the morning of the event.
To RSVP, go to www.venturalandtrust.org/events. For more information, visit www.venturalandtrust.org or call VLT at: (805) 643-8044.
About Ventura Land Trust: The Ventura Land Trust (formerly the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy) is dedicated to permanently preserving and protecting the land, water, wildlife and scenic beauty of the Ventura region for current and future generations. Founded in 2003, the 501(C)(3) non-profit organization is supported by over 600 members, local businesses and government partners. The land trust manages 90 acres of land along the Ventura River and is negotiating the purchase of its first hillside property. The Ventura Land Trust’s offices are located in the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd, Ventura, CA 93003. For more information, visit: www.venturalandtrust.org