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Darke Soil & Water Conservation
Milkweed Pod Collection
Most of you may have seen or read that pollinator populations
across the country are in decline, including the Monarch Butterfly. A
reduction in the number of milkweed plants in Ohio and surrounding
states and a loss of wintering habitat due to logging, weather and
human encroachment have contributed to the population decline of the
Monarch Butterfly.
There are ways that we can help, even in Darke County. The Typical
start date is September 1st through October 31st, but with the recent
rains the Milkweed Pods seem to be staying green longer this year, so
mid to late October maybe a better collecting time. The Darke Soil
& Water Conservation District (SWCD) will be collecting seed pods
from the Common Milkweed plant. The Monarch relies on the milkweed
plant as a host plant, to lay eggs and as a food source. Whether as an
individual, or a group, you can make a difference in the Monarch
Butterfly population by collecting these seed pods once they have
matured and have turned a greenish-yellow or yellowish-brown and ready
to burst open. Once collected, the seed pods will be sent away to be
dried and cleaned. A portion of the seed will be sent back to Darke
County to be incorporated with other seed mixes that will be planted
for pollinator species.
If you would like to help, please call the Darke SWCD office at
937.548.1752, visit our website www.darkeswcd.com, or follow us on
Facebook or Twitter to find out where the seed pods can be dropped off.
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