OHIO, USA — The Ohio Pollinator Habitat Initiative (OPHI) is collecting milkweed pods due to the decline in the monarch butterfly population and its recent designation as an endangered species.
OPHI is seeking public participation in collecting and dropping off mature common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) seed pods at collection stations around the state.
The collected seeds will be used to establish new plantings and create additional habitat for the Monarch butterfly and other pollinators throughout the state.
The local collection station for Lucas County will be the Lucas Soil and Water Conservation District. Lucas SWCD said collected pods can be dropped off anytime in the designated bins outside its office at 3350 Hill Avenue, Suite K, in Toledo.
Lucas SWCD is asking community members to collect fully mature, dry milkweed pods from established plants on their property and drop them off now until Oct. 31 at the nearest pod collection station.
According to Lucas SWCD, seed pods from common milkweed should be collected when they are dry and gray or brown in color. The pods are ready to be picked if the center seam pops with gentle pressure.
Community members are asked to put harvested pods in paper bags or paper grocery sacks. Lucas SWCD said to avoid using plastic bags because they can attract moisture and allow mold to develop.
Until you can deliver them to the closest pod collection area, store seeds in a cool and dry area. Lucas SWCD said to label the paper bag with the county and date the pods were collected.
According to Lucas SWCD, milkweed is essential to the survival of monarch butterflies and Ohio is "priority breeding area for monarchs." Lucas SWCD said the monarch butterflies that hatch in the state in late summer migrate to Mexico for the winter and are responsible for starting the life cycle all over again in the spring.
For more information, contact Ohio Pollinator Habitat Initiative at 614-620-9830 or the Lucas Soil and Water Conservation District at 419-893-1966. You can also visit the Lucas SWCD website HERE.