Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1544004
| OHCC LIVING | APRIL 2026 | 29 The March gathering of the Save the Monarch Butterf ly Club was a wonderful success. We met in the Mykonos Room for a delicious breakfast and an engaging mini-seminar, bringing together both new and returning members who share a passion for protecting monarchs and other pollinators. The room was filled with conversation, curiosity, and a shared sense of purpose. It was inspiring to see our community united in support of this important mission. Joyce Baker's PowerPoint presentation, "Cultivars and Native Plants: How Do We Best Support Pollinators While Creating Aesthetically Pleasing Gardens?" offered valuable guidance not only for the Sanctuary, but also for home gardeners eager to make a difference. Her insights about "planting native nectar plants" helped us understand how thoughtful plant choices can support pollinators while creating lovely outdoor spaces. Rona Cole also shared highlights from the Xerces Society's "Call to Action," emphasizing the urgency of supporting western monarch populations, which have declined dramatically in recent years. The message was clear: small local actions, multiplied by many caring hands, can create meaningful change. Each of us plays a role in securing a stronger future for the monarch butterf ly. Restoring the Monarch Sanctuary remains our highest priority. In recent weeks, dedicated volunteers have been planning, clearing winter overgrowth, enriching the soil, and thoughtfully refreshing sections of the garden. We have begun planting native narrow leaf milkweed along with a variety of vibrant nectar plants that will provide essential habitat while adding beautiful color and texture. Every plant placed in the soil represents hope — hope that monarchs will once again find safe haven here. Creating and maintaining this special space takes dedication and teamwork. We are deeply grateful to the members who generously give their time and energy to nurture this living sanctuary. We are always looking for helping hands. If you enjoy gardening — whether you have an hour a week, an hour a month, or simply want to help when it's convenient — we warmly invite you to join us. We are also pleased to share that our Sanctuary will be featured on the Garden Club's Garden Tour in June. Together, we are planting more than f lowers — we are planting possibility. Written by Rona Cole Save the monarch butterfly Spring is in full swing and we hope you are enjoying the hopefully beautiful weather here in Ocean Hills. The Travel Club is busy planning day trips to parts of Southern California. Places we would like to visit and hope you will also. If there is a place you would like to visit or experience, please feel free to contact us (ohcctravelclub2025@gmail.com) with your suggestions. Here are our upcoming trips: April 29. Cheer on your favorite team when the San Diego Padres take on the Chicago Cubs during an afternoon baseball game at Petco Park. The seats are between 3rd base and home plate, section 114, close to the field. We are sorry this is sold out but waitlist is available. May 7. Come hear our esteemed President Adele present "Walking with the Polar Bears." June 18. Rescheduled from February due to rain. We will head to beautiful Balboa Park for a wonderful Architectural Tour focusing on the Spanish style buildings from the 1915-1917 Panama California Exposition. This will include the recently renovated Lily Pond and Botanical Garden. Following a lunch at Old Town Mexican Café, you may wander around Old Town checking out some of the many historical buildings. Seats are available. July 4. Celebrate America's 250th Birthday on the Hornblower Cruise to view the Spectacular Big Bay Boom on the San Diego Bay. This is also sold out and has no more waitlist. Aug. 4. This is a Travel Club Favorite, Pageant of the Masters. The theme this year is The Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.) This trip is also sold out and has no more waitlists. In the Works: September – Whale Watching December – Holiday Lights at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Frequently people on a trip need to cancel. Many people on our wait lists actually have had the opportunity to go on our trips. To be placed on the waitlist or to register for any of our trips, leave a check made out to the OH Travel Club, in the Travel Club envelope at the Clubhouse Front Desk. Add $5 to the price if you are not a member of the Club. You will receive an email confirming your registration. We certainly hope you will join us on one of our trips! Your OH Travel Club Board, Adele, Lynn, Amy, Jeannine and Callie. Written by Amy Blount Travel Club