Butterfly restoration and enhancement plots in Limestone Canyon.
Local pollinators, such as butterflies, are key to the health of native habitats on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Native plants rely on them to help produce new seeds, which then create new plants, supporting a wide range of native wildlife. However, scientists have seen a general decline in pollinator populations throughout the world in recent years. In order to try and bolster local butterfly populations and ensure they thrive in Orange County for years to come, IRC staff and volunteers have been monitoring several species through regular butterfly counts and have begun enhancing butterfly habitat through a new project in OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon.
For more than a decade now, IRC volunteers have been doing point count surveys throughout the landmarks; counting the number and types of butterflies for a fixed period of time in a designated area so that IRC staff can understand how these butterfly populations are changing over time. This data also helps IRC’s Habitat Restoration and Enhancement team identify which butterfly species are in need of the most help, such as the Bernardino Blue and Monarch butterflies, and where to focus restoration efforts to have the most impact.
For more than a decade now, IRC volunteers have been doing point count surveys throughout the landmarks; counting the number and types of butterflies for a fixed period of time in a designated area so that IRC staff can understand how these butterfly populations are changing over time. This data also helps IRC’s Habitat Restoration and Enhancement team identify which butterfly species are in need of the most help, such as the Bernardino Blue and Monarch butterflies, and where to focus restoration efforts to have the most impact.
Once the species of most concern are identified, IRC’s Plant Materials team are brought in to help grow and procure both the nectar plants these butterflies use to feed themselves, and the host larval plants they use to lay eggs and support their offspring while they are caterpillars.
The Habitat Restoration and Enhancement team worked with the Xerces Society to model an enhancement project that could bolster native butterfly populations. They have identified 11 spots along Limestone Canyon Road ideal for enhancement. These plots were cleared of invasive plants using a solarization technique ideal for small areas, and the team plans on planting nectar and host larval plants, such as purple needlegrass and California fuchsia, in the new year. This habitat enhancement project will hopefully strengthen native butterfly populations in the years to come.
This is an ongoing project, and we hope to see results of IRC staff and volunteers’ hard work in a few years. To stay informed on this progress and learn more about native plants on the Landmarks, visit IRConservancy.org or follow the Landmarks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
The Habitat Restoration and Enhancement team worked with the Xerces Society to model an enhancement project that could bolster native butterfly populations. They have identified 11 spots along Limestone Canyon Road ideal for enhancement. These plots were cleared of invasive plants using a solarization technique ideal for small areas, and the team plans on planting nectar and host larval plants, such as purple needlegrass and California fuchsia, in the new year. This habitat enhancement project will hopefully strengthen native butterfly populations in the years to come.
This is an ongoing project, and we hope to see results of IRC staff and volunteers’ hard work in a few years. To stay informed on this progress and learn more about native plants on the Landmarks, visit IRConservancy.org or follow the Landmarks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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