We're giving away Milkweed to support the Monarchs!

 The Washtenaw County Conservation District has had the unique opportunity to offer the 2023 Milkweed Giveaway thanks to a significant donation from two individuals with a long history in conservation and concern for diminishing native ecosystems and species, in particular the Migratory Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus), an icon charismatic indicator species that recently received the globally ENDANGERED status. With the donated funds, we are offering free native milkweed (Asclepias spp.) plants, which the Monarch depends on as a larval host plant, through the annual WCCD native plant sales. 
 
The free milkweed plants can be claimed at three levels:

1. Three 2" pots - For any residents, gardens of all sizes.
2. Half Flat (19 2" plugs) - For larger managed natural areas / gardens larger up to 1/2 acre.
3. Full Flat (38 2" plugs) - For managed natural areas / gardens larger than 1/2 acre.

To claim your free milkweed, go to the button below. Add your selection to your cart, and complete the online form to add the discount. Plants will be available to pick-up at the Spring Native Plant Sale distribution on June 3rd, 2023.

Order your Free Milkweed

​Also available for purchase is a "Monarch Waystation" Garden kit, a flat of 38 plugs with a mix of different species (10 or more) geared towards attracting Monarch butterflies specifically:

Purchase a "Monarch Waystation" Garden kit

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Milkweed Giveaway during the
Native Plant Expo & Marketplace

We will also be giving away a limited number of free 2" pots to attendees during the Native Plant Expo & Marketplace on June 3rd, along with many resources and educational materials on milkweed planting and protecting the endangered Monarch Butterfly. 

Not able to plant, but Interested to support the efforts? 
​Please consider signing up to volunteer during the events, you can sign up for volunteering opportunities on the Get Involved page.

As this program was supported by an individual donation, the WCCD programs can grow and evolve with donation support. You can donate to the WCCD to support programs like these at the button below. You can specify what motivated your donation on the cart before the checkout page:

Donate

Resources:

​Monarch Watch:​

• Growing Milkweed
• Learn how to & Register a Monarch Waystation
• Free milkweed for large restoration or school / educational projects
• Monarch Population Status Blog

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Monarch Butterfly Resources:

• Bridge MI: "Michigan’s cooler climate could make it a monarch stronghold"
• Michigan DNR - How you can help the Monarch Butterfly
• Monarchs in Michigan - Plant selection guide (PDF)
• Monarch Joint Venture
• Pollinator Partnership - Monarch Butterflies
• Save Our Monarchs Foundation
• Xerces Society - Great Lakes Region - Pollinator Conservation

Related WCCD & Partner programs:

• WCCD School & Community Habitat Grant
• WCCD Plant Sales - Sign up to Volunteer
• WCCD Milkweed seed collection / Project WingSpan
• Washtenaw County - Master Rain Gardener
• Monarch Watch - Monarch Waystations
• Michigan Master Gardeners
• USDA - Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)