As one of the most rapidly developing counties in the state, preserving wildlife habitat and resources is one of Placer RCD’s highest priorities. Specifically, the western monarch butterfly population has declined more than 99% in the last four decades due to a combination of stressors including the degradation of overwintering groves, pesticide use, loss of breeding and migratory habitat, climate change, and diseases. Placer County falls within both the early breeding and summer breeding zones for the recovering western monarch. In collaboration with the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, Placer RCD is dedicated to planting and protecting native milkweed and nectar plants to improve habitat and food sources in an increasingly fragmented region.
In 2020, Placer RCD planted a 500-foot hedgerow at Hillview Farms in Lincoln using habitat kits provided by the Xerces Society. In 2021, we will expand our planting assistance to two locations including Stone’s Throw Farm and Doyle Ranch Park in Colfax and Roseville, respectively. A total of 800 feet of native milkweed and nectar will be planted at Stone’s Throw Farm, a local and dedicated organic producer. In partnership with the Placer County Parks Division, a 1,200 foot pollinator hedgerow will be implemented at Doyle Ranch Park to supplement existing habitat and provide resources in the monarch’s first stopover zone.
To learn more about our habitat conservation work, or for habitat technical assistance, contact:
-
Brian Pimentel
Agriculture Program Manager
Related Placer RCD News
- Placer RCD Leads “Tour and Talk” at the Atwood Ranch Open Space Preserve
- Position Filled: Forestry Project Manager
- Placer RCD Receives 50k in Funding to Restore Placer County’s Riparian Areas
- What are Working Lands?
Related Projects
- ਕੈਲੀਫੋਰਨੀਆ ਦੀਆਂ ਜ਼ਮੀਨਾਂ ‘ਤੇ ਰਿਹਾਇਸ਼ੀ ਬਹਾਲੀ ਦੁਆਰਾ ਜਲਵਾਯੂ ਲਚਕਤਾ Provides financial assistance
- Urban Ag & Community Initiative
- Doyle Ranch Park Pollinator Hedgerow
- Placer Riparian Restoration Provides financial assistance
- Dry Creek Watershed Red Sesbania Removal
- Landowner Technical Assistance Provides financial assistance
- Hillview Farms Pollinator Hedgerow
- Climate Resilience Through Habitat Restoration on California Lands Provides financial assistance
- Urban & Community Initiative (2023)
- Prescribed Burning on Private Lands Provides financial assistance
- Doty Tributary Riparian Restoration Project past project
Related Media
- Sesbania punicia, Red Sesbania Photo Identification Sheet
- Landowner Technical Assistance Agreement (LTAA) Flier
- Placer RCD and Auburn Area Recreation and Park District Respond to Wildfire at Atwood Preserve – Press Release
- Recommended Plants for Pollinators & Beneficial Insects for California Sierra Foothills Region (Xerces Society)
- 2022 Dry Creek Red Sesbania Removal Work Plan Map
- Doyle Ranch Park Pollinator Hedgerow Map
- Hillview Farms Pollinator Hedgerow Planting Map
- Backyard & Balcony Fruit & Vegetable Garden Technical Assistance flyer
Related Information
Financial Resources
The RCD offers free landowner technical assistance. Staff members can tell you about financial resources available through the NRCS to improve habitat for birds, bats, and pollinators.