Western Nevada County, CA — As the Sierra Foothills come alive with summer bloom, Western Nevada County is taking a bold step to help one of nature’s most iconic species: the monarch butterfly. Earlier this year, Peggy Wright, owner of Treats Ice Cream, and Mary Cahill participated in a workshop with monarch and milkweed enthusiast Mike the Bee Guy. They came away from that experience with a brilliant Plant a Seed vision: to create a vibrant network of Monarch waystations throughout Western Nevada County.
Their excitement has blossomed into a broader community initiative, and they’ll be sharing more about their journey and how you can get involved this Saturday at Bear Yuba Land Trust’s Celebration of Trails Street Party in downtown Nevada City.
With monarch mating season in full swing, now is the perfect time for residents to join the movement—starting in their own backyards. Peggy and Mary are reaching out to Bear Yuba Land Trust, local Rotary Clubs, environmental organizations, native plant advocates, and residents to build a patchwork of certified Monarch Waystations—designated areas that provide essential resources for monarchs to breed, feed, and rest along their migratory journey.
“This is about restoring habitat one milkweed at a time,” said Peggy Wright. “Monarchs can’t survive without native milkweed, the only plant their caterpillars eat. The more we plant, the more we protect the future of these butterflies.” Residents are encouraged to plant native milkweed species and nectar-rich flowers to support both adult butterflies and developing caterpillars. These homegrown waystations not only contribute to regional conservation efforts but also bring vibrant pollinators and natural beauty to local gardens.
Why it matters:
Monarch populations have declined dramatically across North America due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. Western Nevada County lies along the critical Pacific Flyway, making it a key location for monarch breeding and migration.
How you can help:
- Plant native milkweed and flowering nectar plants
- Avoid pesticides and herbicides that harm caterpillars and butterflies
- Register your garden as a Monarch Waystation through organizations like Monarch Watch (https://www.monarchwatch.org/)
- Educate yourself through EDF’S Monarch Butterfly Habitat Creation in California, A Technical Field Guide (https://www.edf.org/sites/default/files/content/Monarch-Butterfly-Habitat-Creation-in-California-A-Technical-Field%20Guide.pdf)
- Spread the word and educate others in your community
“We envision a corridor of hope stretching through Nevada County,” added Mary Cahill. “And it all starts with a single plant in your backyard.”
To learn more about how you can participate in the Plant A Seed project, watch for us at BYLT’s Celebration of Trails Street Party on Commercial Street, Nevada City, June 28, from 4-8pm and at other local street fairs. You may also contact Peggy Wright at itwigwoman@gmail.com or Mary Cahill at a_childs_view@yahoo.com