Monarchs & Pollinators NEED our help
The Western Monarch population is less than 1% of what it was in the 1980s; add to this the stressors of climate change, habitat loss, and pesticides, and the result is a drastically threatened species. During winter, Monarchs need groves of tall trees to roost that offer protection from environmental factors such as wind, rain, cold temperatures, and sun exposure, in addition to resources such as freshwater and nectar. Due to the geographic location of Ventura County, restoration of current overwintering habitat locations are crucial to continue the historical migrations of Monarchs
We are in the NEWS!
Restorations
The Ventura County RCD, in partnership with the State Wildlife Conservation Board, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the California Association of RCDs, is implementing various projects focused on enhancing overwintering and breeding and migratory habitat for Monarchs and other pollinators in Ventura County.
The Projects strive to provide well-timed floral and nectar resources; while also offering shelter and safe habitat from pesticides as Monarchs migrate to our area. To tour a restoration site, click the link below!
Pollinator Flyway Network
The Ventura County RCD Monarch and Pollinator Flyway Network is a public/private partnership that spans across the Central Coast of California. Starting in Ventura County, and expanding to surrounding regions/counties, the flyway network will work to create a mosaic of restorations across the Central Coast. Providing not only safe passage for migrating Monarchs and other Pollinators but essential habitat and stopover/waystations as Monarchs migrate through our area.
Check out the map!
Research
One-third of the food humans consume is dependent on pollinators, according to a 2006 international study. Pollinators are essential to $24 billion in agricultural crops each year and more than 180,000 plant species.
Monarch Research is a catalyst for action among public-private partnerships and local landowners. The Ventura County RCD understands the necessity to conducting research at all of it’s restorations.