Monarch Conservation
Over the past decade, the Western Monarch population has experienced steep declines due to a variety of factors including habitat loss. Milkweed, the monarch butterfly’s host plant, was once abundant in California farmlands and rangelands but has declined due to competition with invasive plants and removal. Ranchers and farmers can play a key role in helping to revitalize the monarch population by managing existing milkweed stand on their properties and planting milkweed and other nectar plants. For more information about which species to plant, check out our guide for Alameda County: Alameda County Milkweed Planting Guide.
The Conservation Partnership can also assist with planning and implementation of milkweed and nectar projects. We can connect you with funding opportunities to help support your restoration efforts, including:
- Funds to assist with planning monarch habitat projects
- EQIP funding for implementation through NRCS’ declining species program
If you’re interested in learning more about how you can help conserve monarchs, please contact us. Check back in for upcoming educational events and field days focused on milkweed and monarchs!
Primary Contact(s)
Links
Xerces Society – Save Western Monarchs
Best Practices for Monarchs
Funders
Alameda County Fish and Game Commission
Partners for Fish and Wildlife
California Association of Resource Conservation Districts
Wildlife Conservation Board
Resources
Read from CARCD’s former Monarch Conservation Manager, Hillary Sardiñas, on what landowners can do on their property to benefit the declining western population of monarch butterflies. This Conserving Monarchs on Rangelands factsheet features Alameda County RCD’s and NRCS’s partnership with 3 Calhoun Sisters’ Ranch! Please contact Ricka Stoelting for more information on Monarch Conservation.
