Due to the drastic decline in the population of the Monarch butterfly and recent designation as an endangered species, the Ohio Pollinator Habitat Initiative (OPHI) is once again seeking public involvement to collect and drop off mature common or swamp milkweed seed pods at collection stations around the state.
The seeds will be used to establish new plantings and create additional habitat for the Monarch butterflies and other pollinators throughout Ohio.
The Lucas Soil and Water Conservation District will participate in this program again and serve as a local collection station for Lucas County.
Collected pods can be dropped off anytime in the designated bins outside the Lucas SWCD office at 130-A West Dudley Street, Maumee.
For a list of the participating Soil and Water Conservation Districts, visit ohiopollinator.org.
Milkweed is essential to the survival of Monarch butterflies and Ohio is a priority breeding area. The butterflies that hatch here in the late summer migrate to Mexico for the winter and are responsible for starting the life cycle all over again in the spring.
Now until October 31, community members are encouraged to collect fully-mature, dry milkweed pods from established plants on their property and drop them off at the nearest pod collection station. Seed pods from common or swamp milkweed should be collected when they are dry and gray or brown in color. If the center seam pops with gentle pressure, the pods are ready to be picked. It is best to put harvested pods in paper bags or paper grocery sacks. Avoid using plastic bags because they can attract moisture and allow mold to develop. Store seeds in a cool, dry area until delivered to the pod collection area.
Label the paper bag with the county, type of milkweed and date the pods were collected.
OPHI was formed in response to the 2014 petition to list the Monarch butterfly as federally endangered. Its partners include state of Ohio agencies, universities, corporations, and non-profit organizations. Its mission is to inform citizens, landowners, farmers and government agencies of the importance of pollinators and the habitat they need to survive.
For more information on OPHI or the seed pod collection, contact OPHI at 614620-9830 or the Lucas Soil and Water Conservation District at 419-893-1966 or visit lucasswcd.org/milkweed.
