Monarch Butterfly Habitat Restoration at Marks Ranch

With the guidence and oversite from BSLT staff, help us enhance our monarch butterfly habitat restoration project at Marks Ranch! We will be planting milkweed plants and installing fencing to protect the plants. This project was started in 2024 with the help of volunteers.

Milkweed is critical because it's the only plant that monarch caterpillars eat for survival, providing essential nutrients and making them toxic to predators.

Please bring:

• Sun protection
• Water
• Closed-toe shoes
• Pants and long-sleeve shirt
• Lunch

BSLT will provide:

• Sunscreen and bug spray
• Tools
• Gloves
• Extra water
• Snacks

About Marks Ranch -
Marks Ranch was once a major egg production ranch, and home of Benjamin and Nisene Marks, who settled there in 1890. Big Sur Land Trust purchased the ranch in 2007, protecting important wildlife corridors. We continue to care for its beautiful rolling hills, woodlands, meadows, grazing lands and 90 species of wildflowers.

Much of the 816-acre ranch has become part of Toro Park. BSLT maintains its remaining 79-acres with the historic buildings in collaboration with Monterey County Parks. (The Hacienda is currently closed and secured for public safety.)

Since 2015, BSLT Youth Outdoor Camps have been held here, providing youngsters inspirational time in open spaces.

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Host or Publisher Big Sur Land Trust