Reminder to join us at Ellwood Mesa THIS Saturday, August 30, to help welcome back the monarchs! Community members are invited to come plant trees and native plants that will provide food and shelter for overwintering monarch butterflies. This Saturday’s volunteer day is the first of the season; monthly opportunities will follow. You are encouraged to participate in as many days as you would like. Complete all five days and earn a limited-edition Ellwood Mesa T-shirt!

These volunteer events are part of a larger conservation effort to restore monarch habitat at Ellwood Mesa—one of the most important overwintering sites for Western monarchs. With butterfly populations declining due to drought and extreme weather, this project will plant hundreds of trees and thousands of native plants to create the shelter monarchs need to survive. Your help makes it possible.

Volunteer on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. any or all of the following dates:

• August 30
• September 27
• October 25
• November 15
• December 6

How to Get Involved: Bring a friend and help plant a tree that will provide shade for monarchs and people alike for generations. Volunteers will meet at the Main Grove on Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. Park at the Sperling Preserve (across from Ellwood Elementary) and allow 10-15 minutes to walk to the Main Grove (meeting location may change so stay tuned for updates by email). 

What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, a water bottle, sunscreen, snacks, and gloves (if you have them). Tools will be provided.

How to Get Involved: Bring a friend and help plant a tree that will provide shade for monarchs and people alike for generations. Volunteers will meet at the Main Grove on Saturdays at 9 AM. Park at the Sperling Preserve (across from Ellwood Elementary) and allow 10-15 minutes to walk to the Main Grove (meeting location may change so stay tuned for updates by email). 

What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, a water bottle, sunscreen, snacks, and gloves (if you have them). Tools will be provided.

Sign Up to Volunteer Here

About Ellwood Mesa: Ellwood Mesa has been facing challenges such as drought and storms, which have damaged the trees that monarchs depend on for shelter. This nationally-significant restoration project will contribute to a healthier habitat for both monarchs and the community. For additional details, visit the project page: Ellwood Now – Work in Progress.

Contact: For more information contact George Thomson, Parks and Open Space Manager, at gthomson@cityofgoleta.gov or 805.961.7578.