August 2022

Monarch Butterfly Update

Monarchs have been in the news the last many decades due to population decline resulting from habitat and fodder loss, along with pesticide use. Two recent designations in the effort to protect the remaining populations were declared this summer:

1. California Department of Food and Agriculture rated tropical milkweed, a common horticultural substitute for native milkweed, as a B-rated pest. The rating means that this non-native milkweed is a pest of known economic or environmental detriment and of limited distribution. Tropical milkweed is found to contribute to the population of a single-cell parasite known to attack, threaten, and kill monarchs or disrupt their migration. Always plant California native milkweed when creating a pollinator garden or otherwise enhancing your current landscaping. It is a local decision if tropical milkweed will be managed. Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures is no longer allowing nursery or retail sales of the plant and encourages its removal from landscapes. Read more.
2. The International Union for Conservation of Nature declared monarchs as globally endangered. In as much as this is not a legal designation under the California Endangered Species Act and federal Endangered Species Act, the international declaration sends a strong message that decline of monarchs is a global issue that must be addressed. 

Join this workshop to learn the types of plantings that are both fire wise and water wise for your home garden. Learn the importance of soil, microclimates, hydrozones, mulch and irrigation. This Zoom workshop will be Aug 15 at 6:30 PM and taught by Ventura County Master Gardener Dani Brusius.  Register in advance for this meeting.  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Come Work With Us

• Staff Research Associate 2 - Job ID 39450
• 4-H Community Education Supervisor 1, Region 11 - Job ID 38615
• Agriculture Supervisor 1 – Job ID 36064

Review all the jobs available through UC ANR and apply today.

Ventura County Fair Continues through Aug. 14

4-H members and Master Gardeners have been showing off their best at the Ventura County Fair.  Want to know where?  Want to go?