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
After collecting hundreds of hours from volunteers and partners, the overwintering count of the western monarch was reported to have a peak population of just 9,119 butterflies. The 28th annual Western Monarch Count has been reported as the second lowest overwintering population ever recorded since counting began in 1997. This coincides with monarch butterflies being proposed for protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
This number is a drastic decline from the past three years, when more than 200,000 overwintering western monarchs were observed each year. This year is only slightly above the all-time low of less than 2,000 monarchs in 2020. These numbers are well below the millions of butterflies observed in the 1980s that scientists consider a stable population level.
Due to the low population count, proposed changes in federal policy could bring much-needed relief for the struggling monarchs. In December, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed to list the monarch butterfly as a threatened species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. When the decision is finalized, the monarch will be provided with vital support which includes improved protection for overwintering habitats in California, greater focus by federal agencies, and more incentives for breeding habitat restoration. A public comment period on the listing is open until March 12th, and Xerces Society is asking individuals to sign on to support the listing.
Another uncertainty is whether federal pesticide regulations will change under the new administration as well. Research in California’s Central Valley by the Xerces Society and University of Nevada-Reno found that milkweed leaves – were contaminated by 64 different pesticides. One of these pesticides is called methoxyfenozide, which is likely extremely toxic to caterpillars and was in 96% if milkweed samples. This pesticide is classified as “practically non-toxic” to adult honey bees – they only insect species currently included in testing by the Environmental Protection Agency before a new pesticide is approved for market (Xerces Society, 2025).
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!
HARMONEE & OPUSD Projects
The Habitat Assessments and Restoration for Monarchs – Overstory and Nectar Enhancement and Expansion Project (HARMONEE) and Oak Park Unified School District (OPUSD) are strategic collaborative efforts to expand, improve, and connect essential open space throughout Ventura and southern Santa Barbara Counties for the benefit of monarch butterflies and other native pollinators. These projects will enhance and restore critical inland Breeding and Migratory Habitat (BMH) and Overwintering (OW) habitat for the western population of the monarch butterflies and other pollinators. These projects will work in the face of climate change to protect and enhance essential habitat for the remaining migratory and residential monarchs, answer key research questions, facilitate and promote information sharing, and increase community awareness and knowledge of best management practices. These projects are a bottom-up approach to recovering western monarch and other native pollinator populations through working with a diverse group of conservationists, landowners, and agencies to set an example and restore California’s natural resources for wildlife and future public enjoyment.
For more site information and locations click the link below!
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.