All locations where VCRCD’s Restoration Team and volunteers plant Monarch and pollinator gardens are beautiful, but our most recent site truly stood out. Nestled within the Santa Monica Mountains at Point Mugu State Park, the La Jolla Canyon trailhead and group campsite offer breathtaking views of both the coastal and mountain landscapes.
Volunteer Planting at La Jolla Canyon Trailhead
After months of coordinating with California State Parks, VCRCD finally received approval to install this critical habitat. Per State Parks directions, the restoration team sourced plants grown by the SAMO Fund to ensure the use of local genetics. The planting palette included a diverse mix of native species such as Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia), California Walnut (Juglans californica), California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum), Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), Bush Sunflower (Encelia californica), Saw Toothed Goldenbush (Hazardia squarrosa), Hummingbird Sage (Salvia spathacea), Purple Sage (Salvia leucophylla), California Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), Sea-Cliff Buckwheat (Eriogonum parvifolium), along with additional native nectar species.
The restoration team was joined by 13 dedicated volunteers to enhance a registered overwintering site recognized by Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. As a result, monarchs and other pollinators will benefit from over 50 nectar plants to support them through the winter season and all wildlife. In addition, future campers will enjoy the shade and shelter provided of 76 native trees planted around the group campsite. To ensure the work was conducted with care and respect for the land, Cultural and Indigenous monitors were present on-site to help protect cultural resources and ensure that no cultural artifacts were disturbed during ground activities.
We would like to thank our volunteers, SAMO Fund, CA State Parks, and the Cultural and Indigenous experts who made this planting day possible.
Volunteers Planting at La Jolla Canyon Group Campsite
After planting, the group installed an informative sign about the Western Monarch. Designed by VCRCD’s multitalented Conservation Ecologist Jia Wiebe, the sign highlights the Western Monarch migration and outlines ways individuals can help monarchs by going pesticide free, getting involved in conservation efforts in their communities, and planting native nectar and host plants. Given the soil conditions and abundant rocks in the area, installing the signpost required a coordinated team effort. Once installed, the group shared a moment of relief and appreciation, followed by applause in recognition of everyone’s time, dedication, and commitment to conserving our natural resources.
Conservation Ecologist Jia Wiebe with her Western Monarch Sign
