Goal: 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 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.
The City, with numerous volunteers and restoration partners, is planting drought-tolerant trees, native vegetation, and pollinator-friendly plants to enhance wildlife habitat and create a more resilient forest.
Actions:
- Reduce dead trees and thin live trees to reduce fire risk and improve monarch and wildlife habitat
- Plant fast-growing, climate-adaptive, tall trees to support monarch clustering
- Plant native trees and shrubs such as coast live oaks and toyon for wind shield
- Plant thousands of locally sourced plants to restore creek habitat and provide nectar for butterflies
- Repair and redesign trails and to decrease runoff and sedimentation
Work is scheduled and monitored to avoid disturbing overwintering monarchs or nesting birds, and to protect waterways and native plant habitat.
