PRESS RELEASE – It’s that time again! Due to the continued decline in monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) populations, the Ohio Pollinator Habitat Initiative (OPHI) and local Soil & Water Conservation Districts are again seeking public involvement to collect common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) seed pods from established plants October 1 through October 31.
This year each district has a limit on how many pods can be accepted! THERE ARE ALSO SOME NEW COLLECTION RULES.
The seeds will be used to establish new plantings and additional habitat for the monarch butterfly throughout the Buckeye State. Milkweed is the only host plant for the Monarch butterfly for egg laying and caterpillar rearing.
It also serves as a food source for monarchs as well as many other pollinator species. The disappearance of milkweed across the U.S. has contributed to the decline of the eastern monarch butterfly population over the last 20+ years.
We are working hard to change this, and you can help! Last year, eastern migratory monarch butterfly abundance decreased by 59% in overwintering habitat (WWF, 2024). Tips for collecting pods:
1. Make sure that before you collect seed, you become familiar with the common milkweed to avoid harvesting pods from similar plants such as hemp dogbane and swamp milkweed.
2. Wear gloves when picking and handling pods and wash your hands afterwards. Do not touch your eyes or skin.
3. Gently remove pods from the stems. It is recommended to only take ¼ of each plant’s pods to allow for natural recruitment and regeneration of the native population the next growing season. Do not remove the stem from the plant.
4. Collect the pods when they are dry and gray or brown in color and the seams pop open with gentle pressure. The seeds in green pods will not be viable and won’t be able to be used.
To keep the milkweed beetle from entering the pods, you can use a rubber band to keep the pods closed until dry BUT make sure to remove the rubber bands before dropping off the pods. Be patient and don’t collect too soon!
5. Check that the pods are free of disease and mold. Do not store pods which are damp. Discard any questionable pods.
6. Store the pods in paper bags; plastic bags collect unwanted moisture causing mold to develop.
7. If you would like milkweed seed to plant, please contact the Williams SWCD at the number below.
8. Keep the pods in a cool, dry area until you can deliver them to the Williams County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) at 11246 State Route 15, Montpelier. A drop off bin is near the front door so pods can be dropped off after hours too.
For more information on OPHI visit the OPHI website at www.ohiopollinator.org or contact Anne Marie Michaels at the Williams SWCD office at 419-636-9395 Thank you for your help!