That ugly weed can offer some beautiful benefits

As we try and keep milkweed out of our fields and gardens, maybe we should think twice before heading out to pull or spray those pesky weeds!

Did you know that milkweed is the only host plant for the Monarch butterfly? Milkweed is essential for caterpillars and Monarch eggs. As the Monarch butterfly population decreases, along with other pollinators, it is important to take steps to ensure they have plenty of habitat.

Are you wondering what you can do to help the monarch population? If you have a small garden or even an area of your backyard that you hate to mow, plant that area to milkweed!

Right now, Ashland SWCD is in the midst of milkweed pod collection with the Ohio Pollinator Habitat Initiative. This means that if you have milkweed on your property and you notice that seed pod is brown and the seam pops with light pressure, they are ready to collect!

When you collect your pods be sure to put them in a paper bag not plastic, it is important to keep moisture away. Once pods are collected write the date and the county and bring to the Ashland SWCD office at 1763 State Route 60, Ashland before October 30th.

Here they will be picked up and processed through the Ohio Pollinator Habitat Initiative, once they are processed seeds are available to be picked up in the spring upon request. I might just give that weed another chance knowing it will bring the beauty of the Monarch butterfly to my community.