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40 | OHCC LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2023 | Save The Monarch Butterfly High season continues in the Butterfly Sanctuary, as the surge of Monarch reproduction that began in June accelerated with the warmer weather. More caterpillars and chrysalises appear each day, and the number of new Monarchs released from the cages was approaching 100. Residents are experiencing the same "baby boom" in their own backyards, to the point that many became concerned that their caterpillars were exhausting the milkweed supply. e Club made an emergency purchase of 125 milkweed plants for the sanctuary and home gardens, and these were distributed in mid-August. Aer the slow start in the cold spring, it now looks like this will be a bumper year for the Western Monarch at OHCC. And not just the Monarchs – visitors to the garden are enjoying the return of several other species we are trying to attract, especially the Cabbage Whites and Yellow Sulphurs. One of the most exciting developments was the arrival of a pair of beautiful Swallowtails, who decided our garden was a good place to reproduce. As we write this, our first three Swallowtail caterpillars were foraging through our abundant supply of fennel. Aer the Union-Tribune published its very complimentary article about our Sanctuary in July, the Club got a wonderful response from readers, with more than 65 contacting us to ask questions, request tours, and even to see if they could attend our Butterfly Ball! Many of the responses were from Garden Clubs or individuals who are also trying to help the Monarch, and they have told us that what they have learned from our experience has been very helpful to them. is has been terrific publicity, not only for the club and for OHCC, but for the Monarchs as well. It is a good example of the Club furthering its overall mission of preserving the Western Monarch. Finally, this month, we want to thank residents for their generous responses to our request for auction-worthy items and raffles for the Butterfly Ball on Sept. 22. Tickets to the ball have been moving fast, so if you would like to be part of the social event of OHCC's fall season, act now by checking with the Front Desk in the Clubhouse.~ Myra Esler Garden Club Just because fall is right around the corner, doesn't mean that your garden can't still be full of color, texture and interest. Next month the Garden Club will host a booth at the Fall Festival on the Palm Court, be sure to come visit us for new garden treasures. e Sept. 13 Garden Club meeting will feature two speakers from Coastal Roots Farm, a nonprofit Jewish community farm and education center in Encinitas, CA. Javier Guerrero, the Farm's President and CEO, works to advance the Farm's impact initiatives of equitable food access, regenerative agriculture, environmental education, and Jewish Life, welcoming people of all backgrounds. Kesha Dorsey Spoor, the Farm's Director of Philanthropy, Impact Strategy, and Communications, supports the Farm's development and donor stewardship, leads the Farm's communication strategy, and oversees all programs and education initiatives. Coastal Roots Farm grows more than 80,000 pounds of organic food per year, of which more than 70 percent is donated to San Diegans experiencing food insecurity. e meeting will be in Abravanel Hall. Social time and refreshments begin at 9:30 am, and the program begins at 10 am. Be sure to check the share table by the side entrance. ~ Jan Vaccaro

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