SAMO FUND LEADS MONARCH HABITAT CONSERVATION EFFORTS WITH PUBLIC SUPPORT ON GUIDED HIKE EXPERIENCE
Public volunteers accompany Mission Monarch leads to collect 10 million milkweed seeds for natural and urban restoration
WHO:
Santa Monica Mountains Foundation team, alongside NPS, Community Nature Connection, powered by MRCA
WHAT:
Monarch populations have dropped drastically in the last few decades. As milkweed habitat is taken over by invasive grasses and development; the monarch loses a nursery that supports the populations on their migration. Monarchs need native milkweed, their host plant, to survive.
SAMO Fund is leading guided hikes through Paramount Ranch and Rancho Sierra Vista at Satwiwa on alternating weekends to identify and collect milkweed seed. During these events the public will assist in seed collection and learn of strategies they can use to support monarchs in their area; as well as information on local plant communities..
SAMO Fund will work mapping and monitoring milkweed populations in the Santa Monicas. Target species for the team include the native milkweeds Asclepias californica, Asclepias fascicularis, and Asclepias eriocarpa.
SAMO Fund will also be using this opportunity to connect to underrepresented youth to lead our milkweed propagation program. This program will support milkweed and other pollinator plants to the community.
WHEN:
Saturdays 9am; Final date sept 25* depending on seasonality
WHERE:
Rancho Sierra Vista at Satwiwa
Paramount Ranch
Website
https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.samofund.org%2foutdoors-calendar&c=E,1,A-YYr_ZxkAhGkp4Io9A0mTUL3hp8rTkXyX870gqzToBq-BDWPmH7xnsatHebExzjFhdL4V1yicYMENdRxgdKuRvkQAto0nFizSjmvk-fNfB55VE-&typo=1
ABOUT:
SAMO Fund is a nonprofit connecting youth from underrepresented communities in the Los Angeles and Ventura County areas providing education and involving them in resource management activities. Youth gain experience in plant identification, monitoring life stages of multiple species to time seed collections, cleaning seed, receive practical experience collecting field data, evaluating viability, record keeping, seed bulking to build resources for restoration projects, and support volunteer groups. They also work to support and monitor native milkweed and oak populations. This work protects vital habitat for the western monarch and other wildlife.
Video available for online use upon request
