4 | OHCC LIVING | DECEMBER 2019 |
Butterflies in our Community Butterflies in our Community
Homeowners have noticed that more and more butterflies are frequently
seen around OHCC, Monarchs, Painted Ladies, "Wee Willies," and more, are
adding their beauty to our community landscape. Plants that provide food and
habitat for butterflies and their caterpillars are being located away from areas
frequented by walkers and pets. Some types of plants attract and feed both the
adult butterfly and their caterpillar stage of life. They have been part of some
inaccessible areas of the Landscape Renovation projects in villages and Master
spaces. To encourage more Monarch butterflies, such as the one in the photo
above, the Landscape Committee has endorsed the planting of milkweed seeds.
Milkweed is the only plant on which Monarch Butterflies lay their eggs. Though
it has weed in its name, it is not an invasive weed. It is a beneficial wildflower
to be enjoyed along with the release of more Monarchs around the community.
Late last fall, Maureen Huitt, Landscape Director for the HOA, planted a few
plantings of milkweed seeds along the slopes in the park area on Leisure Village
Drive between Arcadia and Andros. More seedlings will be planted this fall,
in the hope there will be even more Monarch butterflies next spring. "Hope
springs eternal."
Maureen Huitt has been with the OHCC HOA for 14 years,
serving as Director for the past four years; currently
overseeing all landscape and irrigation for Keystone
Pacific. On Nov. 8 she left to retire in Hawaii, but we will
think of her as the Monarchs bring us joy next spring.
Landscape Committee
