It’s that time of year again and we need your help in collecting milkweed seeds!
In order to preserve the monarch migration we need more milkweed throughout the entire Country. Chip Taylor, founder of Monarch Watch has launched a campaign: “Bring Back the Monarchs”-
When, Where, and How to collect Milkweed Seed Pods:
When the pods are first beginning to split (ripe but as yet to open pods should split upon touch and the seeds should be brown or “browning up”). Do not collect pods in which the seeds are white, cream colored or pale.
Be sure to obtain permission before collecting on private property or federal, state or county properties. Be safe. Please do not collect along busy highways.
How much should I collect?Collect as much as you can! Many pounds of milkweed seeds are needed for seed mixes used in roadside or landscape restoration. Two to four onion bags of pods will yield about one pound of seeds.
Here’s how:
• The list of the milkweeds we are targeting for restoration are mainly
Swamp Milkweed (Asclepius incarnate), Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) and Common (Asclepius syriaca)
• Collect the pods in paper bags-
(Barb and Dick’s Wildflower Florist, 12326 W. Watertown Plank Rd.)
There is a collection bin on the west side of the building.
• Please use a separate bag for each milkweed species.
The seeds you collect are used in our region so we need the following information on each bag:
Your name, address and email, date of collection, county and state of collection and species of milkweed (ie common, swamp, etc.)
• We encourage you to recruit your class, school, scout group, neighborhood association etc. to organize a collection project.
The end of September through October is the best time to collect pods.
**********ADVISORIES**********
Milkweed sap can damage your eyes. The initial irritation is a bit painful followed by a cloudiness of the cornea which can take a week to clear up. You don’t want this to happen to you or anyone who works with you. Wear gloves while collecting milkweed pods and avoid contacting your face, or region of the eyes, with the gloves. Wash your hands carefully after handling milkweed pods. Should milkweed sap get into your eyes or that of a fellow collector, seek medical attention immediately.
Once collected—we will dry them and hold a Milkweed Shucking event so everyone can come help separate the seeds from the fluff. This is REALLY fun! The Milkweed Shucking date is Sunday, October 25th 1 pm-
Please follow us on Facebook and visit our website at www.theMonarchTrail.org for updates.
Thankyou for your support!