Garden Club Presents ‘Monarch Butterfly Habitat’ Expert

On Friday, April 09, the Laguna Beach Garden Club presents Leslie Gilson, speaking on the restoration of the Monarch Butterfly Grove in the Norma Gibbs Park located in Huntington Beach.

Ms. Gilson started the restoration project back in 2007, with the backing and support of the Huntington Beach Tree Society and the city of Huntington Beach. Over 179 dead and dying Eucalyptus trees were removed. The first half of the project was planted with over 800 nectar and milkweed plants, which are the only food source for the Monarch butterfly). These were put in by over 200 volunteers on Arbor Day April 29, 2008, along with over 65 new trees. When finished, the restored habitat will have over 1000 plants and close to 126 trees planted.

Each winter, monarchs from throughout western North America migrate to winter habitat along the California coast, where forest stands provide protection from extreme weather. The goal to lure the majestic Monarch back has been realized as September 2009 brought many caterpillars and Monarch butterflies back to this magnificent overwintering site.

The club meeting will be held at the Neighborhood Congregational Church, 340 St. Ann’s Drive, Laguna Beach. The social gathering starts at 9:30AM, featuring the popular Plant & Garden “Boutique” for unique garden items at ‘dirt’-cheap prices. The Business meeting starts at 10:00AM, followed by Ms. Gilson at 10:30AM. The meeting is free one-time for guests. For more information on the garden club, see the club’s website at www.lagunabeachgardenclub.org