Monarchs and More Western Habitat Program

The Monarchs and More Western Habitat Program provides regionally specific seed mixes, milkweed plugs when appropriate, and technical assistance for pollinator plantings on land in California and Southern Oregon for free or highly subsidized based on landowner need. The seed mixes include regionally specific wildflowers, including annuals and perennials, designed with overlapping bloom periods throughout the growing season. We are excited to engage landowners and land managers in the establishment of self-sustaining native habitat to support all pollinators.

Eligible projects are limited to sites that can dedicate a minimum of ¼ acre to pollinator habitat in California or Southern Oregon. A special focus will be given to larger acreage on private working lands in the Central Valley of California or adjacent foothills. The ¼ acre size minimum can be split up into different patches on one property. Landowners will be required to complete site prep and cover associated site-prep costs. Landowners have the option to provide some financial support for the cost of seeds and plant materials to help us use our funds to impact more acres of habitat, but the ability to pay for seeds is not an eligibility requirement. MJV’s material cost per acre is approximately $500, and we will ask landowners if they are interested in supporting $5 - $100/acre of habitat that they implement.

In exchange for free or subsidized regionally appropriate seeds, milkweed plugs, and technical assistance, we expect that selected program participants:

• Are willing to put in the necessary time and effort to prepare, plant, and manage their pollinator habitat site. The program does not provide access to equipment or additional labor required for project installation or maintenance.

• Have a plan for supplemental irrigation of their pollinator habitat site.

• Have a plan to mitigate pesticide exposure specifically to their pollinator habitat site(s).

• Will stay in regular communication with MJV staff during the first year of the project to share brief updates and progress reports. In return, MJV will provide technical assistance as needed throughout the first year. This collaboration may extend longer if both parties agree.

• Will report annually on the progress and status of their pollinators habitat after the first growing season and for the following 3 years.

• Are willing to maintain the site as pollinator habitat for a minimum of 3-5 years.

• (Optional) Will consider hosting a habitat demonstration day to showcase their pollinator-friendly practices for other growers.

Complete this interest form for consideration.