VENTURA — On Sat., May 14, from 9 a.m. – 12 Noon, the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy (VHC) will host “Monarch Madness” – a free family-friendly milkweed planting event at their Willoughby Preserve in the Ventura River estuary. This open-to-the-public event is appropriate for people of all ages (children must be accompanied by a parent) and made possible by funding provided by the Southern California Gas Company.
Monarch butterflies need milkweed plants to survive. Their caterpillars only eat milkweed and monarch mothers lay their eggs on the milkweed plant. The monarch is the only known butterfly to make a two-way migration like birds do. Monarchs travel between 50 – 100 miles per day and it can take them up to two months to complete their 3,000-mile journey. Milkweed habitat loss is the biggest short-term threat to the migration of monarch butterflies.
Attendees should meet VHC staff at the Ventura River kiosk near Ventura’s Main Street Bridge at 9 a.m. to be escorted to the nearby planting area. VHC will do a brief monarch butterfly presentation and milkweed planting demonstration. Once planting is complete, they will lead a short nature hike along the shores of the Ventura River.
VHC will provide gloves, shovels and milkweed plants. Attendees should wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, long pants, a hat, sunscreen and bring a water bottle.
To RSVP, go to www.venturahillsides.org and click on the Events tab. For more information, call VHC at: (805) 643-8044.