Description
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.
Who
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.
Cost
FREE admissionHow
- rsvp here
- Park FREE at Foster Park, cross Casitas Vista Rd. at the entrance to the park and walk south about 1/4 along the bike path to get to Big Rock. Meet VLT staff at 9 am at the North Entrance of Big Rock Preserve next to the kiosk. We will escort you to the planting area where we will do a short Monarch presentation and provide a planting demonstration.
