Hello Everyone, and Happy New Year!
I wanted to share an update regarding the ongoing situation at the Vista Del Mar monarch overwintering site, located on the property of Ventura Coastal LLC at 2325 Vista Del Mar.
Since the Stop Work Order was issued by Ventura City Code Enforcement, there has been no additional activity on the site. Many of us have continued to monitor the property closely.
The late-season Western Monarch Count is now underway and runs through January 11. Due to new No Trespassing signs posted by the property owner—and confirmation from law enforcement that individuals may be cited or arrested for entering the property—monitors will attempt to conduct counts from public street access only, without permission to walk the site.
At the same time, there has been a great deal of information circulating about monarch butterflies and the ongoing delays in federal protection. Unfortunately, much of the public conversation still includes misunderstood, outdated, or inaccurate information—particularly about the Western monarch migration and their coastal overwintering sites, which are comprised primarily of non-native eucalyptus, along with native species such as cypress, pine, and redwood.
Preliminary population numbers from this season appear lower than last year, and may ultimately represent the second or third lowest counts on record. Final Western Monarch Count results from Xerces are expected mid-January.
To help address this, I’ve put together a summary document with current, science-based information on monarch overwintering habitat, policy context, milkweed, and conservation needs. My hope is that this will be useful for those attending upcoming City Council meetings, submitting in-person public comments, or writing in support of stronger protections for Ventura’s overwintering sites.
I’m also hopeful that this unfortunate event will accelerate the implementation of tree protection ordinances in the City of Ventura—a goal many on this list have long supported.
Next Ventura City Council Meeting: Tuesday, January 13
How to participate in public meetings:
https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/27/Government
Finally, please see announcement below and attachment I’ve included about a donation campaign I’m launching to help fund the work ahead—protecting existing overwintering sites, restoring damaged habitat, creating new habitat, and expanding education and outreach efforts.
Following the recent destruction of a documented monarch overwintering site at Vista Del Mar in Ventura County, I’ve made a difficult—but necessary—decision as both a conservationist and a small business owner.
I founded Native Monarchs in 2020 to create and protect monarch breeding and overwintering habitat. Later, I launched Monarch Botanika as a way to help fund that work, using skincare made from cold-pressed Milkweed Seed Oil. But when trees began coming down at Vista Del Mar—eight mature roost trees destroyed before a stop-work order was issued—it became clear that I could no longer divide my time, energy, or resources.
This was a wake-up call.
At a moment when monarch habitat is being lost in real time—often without permits, during peak migration, and even at designated sites—direct conservation action has to come first.
As a result, I’ve paused active promotion of Monarch Botanika and donated 100% of my remaining product inventory to Native Monarchs. Instead of selling products, we are now offering Monarch Botanika skincare sets as Thank You gifts for donations, with 100% of all donations going directly to conservation efforts.
- One donation level includes one skincare set
- A higher level includes two sets — Keep One, Give One
Western monarch populations are down more than 99% since the 1990s, and critical protections continue to be delayed while habitat disappears tree by tree. Right now, preserving and restoring habitat—and holding bad actors accountable—matters more than commercial growth.
If you’re able, I invite you to support this work or help spread the word.
Donations and more information can be found at NativeMonarchs.org
Thank you for standing with the monarch when it matters most.
With Gratitude,
Chris
Chris Amendt, SCT(ASCP), Founder
Native Monarchs NPO
Monarch Botanika
Mobile: (805) 404-0898
Native Monarchs: https://nativemonarchs.org/
Email: Camendt@nativemonarchs.org
Monarch Botanika: https://monarchbotanika.com/
Email: Camendt@monarchbotanika.com
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New YouTube Video: Skincare that Saves Monarchs!
