Improve the long-term health of Ellwood Mesa as an overwintering habitat for monarchs and other plants and animals
Overwintering monarch populations have declined more in Ellwood than in other known aggregation sites. We believe this is due to degrading forest habitat. We observe butterflies moving within and leaving the grove during windy conditions.
Forest habitat is best for clustering monarchs when it provides:
- a dense outer screen for wind shelter
- overhead protection from direct sun and predators
- dappled light and room for flight within the protected area
Dense canopies from overcrowded trees or open canopies from the death of trees are not suitable monarch aggregation habitat. Active management of the grove, including planting and irrigation, is critical for a sustainable monarch butterfly habitat.
Recommended actions:
- Reduce dead trees and thin live trees to reduce fire risk and improve monarch and wildlife habitat
- Plant fast-growing tall trees adapted to a Mediterranean climate that will reestablish a wind shelter
- Plant native plants, nectaring plants, and restore creek habitat in previously disturbed areas
- Schedule work so as not to disturb overwintering monarchs or nesting birds
- Monitor work in progress by a qualified arborist and biological consultant
The plan also calls for significant investment in improving the creeks and wetlands within the grove and protecting important plant and wildlife species. We will:
- meet regulatory requirements to protect waterways and native plant habitat
- plant thousands of locally sourced plants to provide nectar for butterflies and to benefit multiple species
- repair and redesign trails and access ways to decrease runoff and sedimentation
- plant native trees and shrubs such as coast live oaks and toyon as wind shields
- monitor activities and survey for impacts to waterways, native plants and wildlife
