2024 Common Milkweed Pod Collection

Join us in restoring Monarch habitat!

October 1st – October 31st

The Ohio Pollinator Habitat Initiative and Delaware SWCD are calling for Common Milkweed pods. Milkweeds are the only plant that the Monarch butterfly will lay eggs on. They also serve as a food source for Monarchs and other pollinator animals. Milkweed is the only host plant the Monarch butterfly will lay its eggs.

Monarchs are on the IUCN Red List of endangered species.The disappearance of Milkweed is a major contributor to the decline and endangerment of the Monarch butterfly across the United States. You can help Monarchs and other pollinators throughout Ohio by collecting common milkweed pods.

*New this year – please dump your pods into the brown leaf bag inside our bin, rather than leaving your own bags.

Drop off any collected pods to the green bin with a yellow lid located outside of the Byxbe Offices at 1610 State Route 521, Delaware, Ohio 43015.

Collection Tips:

    • Wear gloves.
    • Pods should be dry and gray or brown in colors, seeds should pop open with gentle pressure.
    • Make sure pods aren’t moldy.
    • Store pods in a paper bag with the collection date written on it.
    • Store pods in a cool, dry area until you are able to turn them in (not in plastic).
    • Do not place rubber bands around the pods.
    • Only collect 1/4 of the plant’s pods, leave some for natural dispersal.
    • Make sure it’s Common Milkweed and not a common look-a-like like hemp dogbane.