Atascadero to celebrate new Monarch habitat with ribbon cutting
Habitat provides refuge for butterflies and other pollinators
– The City of Atascadero will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Monarch and Pollinator Native Habitat on June 9 at 4 p.m. at the Morro Road/Highway 41 and U.S. 101 off-ramp.
The native habitat serves as a rest stop for Monarch butterflies and other pollinators traveling between butterfly groves in Monterey and Pismo Beach. Located at one of the city’s primary gateways, the project converted an underutilized parcel into a landscape designed to support wildlife and provide educational opportunities.
The idea for the habitat came from City Manager Jim Lewis, whose familiarity with Monarch conservation efforts and interest in beautification projects inspired the effort.
“In addition to providing critical habitat for Monarch butterflies and pollinators, this project demonstrates how environmental stewardship, community partnerships, and education can come together to create something truly special for Atascadero. Additionally, we have cleaned up and made more beautiful a major entry to the community,” Lewis said.
Work on the site began in October, with local landscape contractor Madrone Landscape leading the project. Crews cleared debris, removed invasive vegetation, and planted about 200 native shrubs and pollinator-friendly plants.
The habitat design was developed through a collaboration between Madrone Landscape, Olwyn Kingery Design, and the University of California Master Gardeners, many of whom volunteer at the Central Coast Zoo. Educational signs provided by Monarch Ventures include information about the Central Coast Zoo, the University of California Master Gardeners, and the Atascadero Land Preservation Society, highlighting the importance of pollinators, native gardens, and native trees.
The habitat includes coyote brush, coyote mint, California asters, seaside daisies, native sages, and several varieties of milkweed selected to support Monarch butterflies and other pollinators throughout their life cycles.
Additional improvements include irrigation, decorative rock features, fencing, and protective ground cover. City officials said the habitat will become a refuge for butterflies, bees, birds, and other pollinators as it matures.
Funding for the project came from the city’s Tree Fund, which is supported through tree mitigation fees. The fund supports the planting and maintenance of native trees, other native gardens, and the promotion of native species throughout the community.
The city is also partnering with Atascadero High School’s Welding and Art Departments on a custom wrought-iron butterfly-inspired feature for the habitat. Students will participate in conservation learning opportunities with the Central Coast Zoo and gain design and fabrication experience with McKenzie Productions. The installation is expected to debut this fall.
Community members are invited to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 9 at 4 p.m. Representatives from the University of California Master Gardeners, the Atascadero Land Preservation Society, the Central Coast Zoo, and Madrone Landscape will be available to share information about pollinators, native gardening, and local habitat preservation.
