Monarchs and Milkweeds

What if the future of the Western Monarch butterfly depends on what you plant in your own backyard?Join us for an illustrated evening that explores the fragile journey of the Western Monarch and the powerful role local gardeners can play in its survival. This evening program will begin with an understanding of monarch biology, life cycle, food plants, and migration. An update on current population challenges facing the western monarch will lead into clear, practical guidance on how home gardeners can play a vital role in monarch recovery. As monarch numbers continue to fluctuate across the West, gardeners have never been more important to their survival. This timely evening talk will translate science into practical, actionable steps you can take right away, from choosing the right milkweed species to creating a habitat that supports monarchs at every stage of life. Whether you are an experienced plant enthusiast or simply want to make a meaningful difference in your own backyard, you will leave informed, inspired, and ready to help support monarch conservation at home and in our community. In addition to being an avid plant and nature enthusiast, our speaker, Ron Vanderhoff, is the Vice-President of Horticulture at Roger’s Gardens. He is also the President of the statewide organization Calflora, a director of the CA Native Plant Society in OC, and a local native plant botanist involved in botanical science and conservation. He is a long-term member of the Xerces Society and has been performing Orange County’s annual monarch counts for the past decade. Ron believes that a connection with nature is a critical human need. He enjoys sharing what he knows and learning what is doesn’t know from others. Price:$10 Member$20 Non-Member Purchase Tickets