The final weeks of March marked the beginning of the Western Monarch Butterflies’ annual southern migration. Beginning in October, Western Monarchs travel south from the northern climates of the United States and Canada before settling in various areas along the California coast and as far south as Mexico. As the temperatures begin to warm, the Butterflies return to their northern native habitats.

The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy (Conservancy) is assisting these colorful creatures as they complete their trek by planting milkweed and other butterfly friendly plants in the Conservancy’s habitats. The plantings provide a food source for these fragile winged travelers as well as serve as a stable environment to support their reproductive process.

The plantings will also assist other native butterflies found along our coastline reestablish their populations later in Spring and Summer.

The Conservancy looks to volunteers to assist staff members with planting and caring for the Conservancy habitats across the Peninsula. Saturday mornings are reserved for volunteer activities that includes a variety of activities to restore and maintain the Peninsula’s natural environment.

Individuals or groups interested in participating in these activities can contact the Conservancy at www.pvplc.org for a schedule of volunteer events.

Earth Day co-presentation with the CA Native Plant Society, Friday, April 22, 7 pm.

World premiere of Saging the World at the Warner Grand Theatre. The screening will include a panel discussion with Native advocates from the film. Each ticket holder will receive a free “white sage” to take home and plant! Tickets $15 at https://pvplc.org/event/saging-the-world-apr-22/

Earth Day Volunteer Celebration at the White Point Nature Preserve Saturday, April 23, 9 am - 12 pm. –

Celebrate volunteering outdoors to care for a native plant demonstration garden and habitat for local wildlife. Guided walks and fun for the whole family. White Point Nature Preserve, 1600 Paseo del Mar, San Pedro, CA 90732. Sign up at pvplc.volunteerhub.com

Earth Day Slice of Wild & Scenic Film Festival, Sunday, April 24, Warner Grand Theatre, 4 pm –

Join the Conservancy for a taste of Wild & Scenic Film Festival with the screening of MY GARDEN OF A THOUSAND BEES. (Save the date for Wild & Scenic Film Festival on 1/15/23.) Tickets $20 at the door, $15 advanced purchase online at: https://pvplc.org/event/film-festival-2022/.

Interested in creating a butterfly friendly environment at home? The Conservancy is offering Spring Butterfly Baskets for purchase through their Native Plant Nursery. Make your garden beautiful, drought tolerant and attract pollinators looking for a food and nesting places as a waystation for Monarchs and other migratory threatened species. The basket has four plants: Milkweed (Asclepias fascicularus) – Host plant for Monarch butterfly, Wishbone (Mirabilis laevis), Bladderpod (Peritoma arborea) and Lupine (Lupinus ssp.) $40 includes includes taxes and they are available for pickup on April 16th. Online Preorders: https://app.etapestry.com/cart/PVPLC/default/item.php?ref=1243.0.827807845

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Steve Tabor Bio

This South Bay native’s photographic journey began after receiving his first 35 mm film camera upon earning his Bachelor of Arts degree. Steve began with photographing coastal landscapes and marine life. As a classroom teacher he used photography to share the world and his experiences with his students. Steve has expanded his photographic talents to include portraits and group photography, special event photography as well as live performance and athletics. Steve serves as a volunteer ranger for the Catalina Island Conservancy and uses this opportunity to document the flora and fauna of the island’s interior as well as photograph special events and activities.

Watch for Steve Tabor Images on the worldwide web.