The iconic monarch butterfly, which has long been a welcome sight in backyard gardens across Ohio, faces many threats. In Ohio, one way we can ensure future generations of monarch butterflies continue to visit flower gardens throughout our state is by protecting native milkweed plants.

Every year in the fall, monarch butterflies across the eastern U.S. and Canada begin a 3,000-mile-long journey down to wintering grounds in Mexico. In the spring, these same butterflies head back north, and delight us with their presence once again. However, this amazing journey would not be possible without milkweed, a group of plants critical to the survival of the monarch butterfly. As butterflies, monarchs can feed on the nectar of a number of different flowering plants, but as caterpillars, monarchs are entirely dependent on the availability of milkweed.  
Monarch caterpillars hatch from eggs laid on milkweed plants and feed on the leaves of the plant as they grow. If these plants are mowed, removed, or sprayed with pesticides or herbicides, the caterpillars will not survive. Protecting these plants, especially during the egg-laying period from July through September, helps both monarch butterflies and caterpillars continue their life cycle and ultimately results in more monarch butterflies that can complete their journey to Mexico and back.  

In the past, milkweed was viewed as a toxic weed. Today, we know that milkweed is a very important group of native plants that helps support many species of wildlife, including monarch butterflies. Learn more about ways you can help ensure these beautiful butterflies are around for generations to come by visiting the Monarch Joint Venture.

By: Ohio Department of Natural Resources - Division of Wildlife

The Ohio Pollinator Habitat Initiative from last fall resulted in approximately 2,500 gallons of milkweed pods collected throughout the state. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this effort in Warren County! 

Over the winter the milkweed pods were delivered to Department of Corrections Institutions where the seeds were collected from the pods and placed in cold storage. This process improves the germination of the seeds. Once this process was complete, the seeds were distributed back to Warren County and to the other districts who participated in the initiative. 

For those with a packet, follow the planting guide below:

Planting time: February - April  OR  September - November
If you wish to plant the seed in the spring, you will need to stratify the seed. To stratify the seed, place a thin layer of seed between damp paper towels and place it in a refrigerator for approximately 40 days. If you plant the seeds in the fall, seed stratification is not necessary.
Site selection: Sunny spot with well-drained soil.
Prepare soil: Remove weeds and rake to 1'' deep.
Spread seeds: Uniformly cover the cleared area.
Press seeds: Walk over newly planted area.
Do not cover seeds any deeper than 1/16''. Some of the seeds will remain visible.
Water: Regularly for 4-6 weeks for germination.
Watch: Reduce watering at 2'' tall, unless the seedlings seem stressed.

Here at Warren SWCD, we began hearing rumblings of a new conservation effort sweeping the country in late 2015.  In November, we heard that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) would lead a 10 state effort to help provide food and habitat for monarch butterflies.  Their plan was to provide funding for agricultural producers to provide this food and habitat through established programs such as EQIP, WRP and CSP.  Funding would reach a 10 state region and provide approximately $4 million in aid - Ohio being one of those states!  Read more about this initial effort  HERE.  Reading about this important conservation movement was exciting, but what really got us excited was what we started to hear on a local level!  Taking cues from our national counterparts, Ohio wanted to make an even bigger difference!  And so the Ohio Pollinator Habitat Initiative was born....

Sponsors and partnerships grew as the Initiative picked up steam.  The initiative has many events, programs and collected information.  One of the big programs is the milkweed pod collection effort.  This is where Warren SWCD and in turn YOU play a role!  Our office is an official collection location.   Collect common milkweed seed pods and bring them to us!  The following is the information about the seed pod collection program.

Click below to learn how to collect common milkweed seed pods.

~ Molly Conley, Natural Resource Engineer