Milkweed is one of the primary plants for monarchs and other pollinators to rest and eat.  This is especially true for monarchs that are making their way from Mexico to Canada and back, taking several generations to do so.  The District is establishing a waystation for monarchs to breed or lay eggs.  This ensures that the next generation of monarchs can reach their destination.

In 2017, parks staff harvested milkweed plants from around Evergreen Lake, Willow Lake, and Little Bear/Big Bear Lakes.  The Milkweed plants were husked and then planted at the ‘rain garden’ just east of the Community Garden near the Century Park Pavilion.  Native pollinator mix was incorporated into the site to encourage growth of other pollinator plants.  Future plans include a prescribed burn to help with growth.