On our properties, we’re planting California milkweed (Asclepias californica) and narrowleaf milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis), which are both native to California.

We collect the milkweed seeds without harming the plants by placing mesh bags around the seed pods so that when they break open, the seeds spilled into the bags for our team to easily gather.

Join our DiRT days to help plant milkweeds for monarchs on our land!

Monarch Butterflies: An Endangered Species

On July 21st 2022, migratory monarch butterflies were classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

According to the IUCN, the migratory monarch butterfly population has shrunk by up to 72 percent over the last decade, with the western population being at the greatest risk for extinction.

Now, our work to protect the western monarch butterfly is more critical than ever! We plan on continuing and expanding our monarch project for years to come so that monarchs will have a home and a habitat in the Diablo Range.