Join this special Garden Club event to help create a beautiful Monarch Garden at Grant Park!
Western monarch populations declined by 86% from 2018 -2019 and are at critical risk of species extinction. Take action for these important pollinators in the San Diego River ecosystem by helping us plant Narrow leaf milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis) and other pollinator-friendly plants at this fun community event!
Planting Narrowleaf milkweed in San Diego is vital because:
- It is the monarch butterfly’s exclusive host plant, as caterpillars feed only on milkweed and females lay their eggs solely on these leaves, while its natural compounds provide essential nutrition and protection from predators.
- As a native, drought-tolerant plant that blooms in sync with local migration, unlike tropical milkweed which can disrupt it, Narrowleaf milkweed restores lost habitat, supports endangered Western monarchs, and provides rich nectar for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.
You'll feel a sense of accomplishment knowing you're helping conserve vulnerable species like the Monarch Butterfly while creating a vibrant educational garden for students and the community in the heart of our city.
This is the first planting day to create this beautiful garden. If you'd like to help on the second planting day, sign up for the Mission Valley Garden Club on April 4th too!
A huge thank you to the Clinton Foundation for their generous grant to support this planting project!
Who Mission Valley Garden Club is for: If you have a passion for caring for native plants and/or creating pollinator gardens or want to learn how, or simply want to make a difference in nature with others, then the Mission Valley Garden Club is for you! No experience is necessary! Stay tuned for exciting educational talks with native plant experts at Mission Valley Garden Club events!
About Grant Park: This new nature education center and eco-park in the heart of Mission Valley offers free STEM and environmental learning for underserved students and engaging nature programs for all ages—serving as a vibrant beacon of green space along the San Diego River for the entire community!
This is an excellent opportunity for individuals with a flexible schedule to contribute 2 hours of service.
Events are held the first and third Saturday of the month, from 8 AM to 10 AM. Find other Grant Park volunteer events HERE!
- We have all of the tools needed for gardening work, but if you have any tools you prefer to use, you are welcome to bring them
- Attire: Long pants and closed-toe shoes are required
- Other Items to Bring: Reusable water bottle, hat, other forms of sun protection
- Weather: Light rain will not cancel the event
- For safety reasons, no pets are allowed at this event
- There are restroom facilities at this location
- All ages are welcome, but those under 16 need supervision. Ages 16 and 17 are allowed alone but with a parent signature.
