Drought and storms have impacted the trees that the monarch butterflies rely on.
"The monarchs come here really to rest during the winter, so they're looking for areas along the coast that are protected from winter storms," explained George Thomson, Goleta's Parks and Open Space Manager.
Volunteers are stepping up to help restore the habitat by planting hundreds of trees and native plants to create the shelter the monarchs need to survive.
"What we're trying to do is create the microclimate environment," explained Thomson. "The right amount of shade and the right amount of wind that monarchs will thrive in during the winter months. They're putting in some large eucalyptus. After they grow bigger, they'll be a core part of the monarch butterfly habitat area."
The first volunteer day is Saturday, August 30. Registration is full, but additional volunteer days are coming up on September 27, October 25, and November 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. No experience is necessary. Sign up here.
