Milkweed is an Ohio native that is the sole host of the Monarch caterpillar. Monarchs are becoming increasingly threatened due to habitat loss and the use of herbicide. Saving milkweed seed is a simple way to contribute to the effort to save the Monarch!
We will be kicking off our Milkweed seed collection this year on September 1st. We will have seed pod collection sites set up in the following locations through November 1st. (Please check specific locations for hours of operation.)
Hummingbird Project/Seed Bank Offices
3606 Bridge Street
Ohio CityCoffee, Coffee, Coffee
4193 Old Brooklyn
Old BrooklynCleveland Public Library, Carnegie West
1900 Fulton Road
Ohio CityCleveland Public Library, 131st Branch
3830 E. 131st Street
ClevelandHeights Libraries, Lee Road Branch
2345 Lee Road
Cleveland HeightsRoom Service Cleveland
33444 Tuttle Road
Shaker HeightsRocky River Public Library
1600 Hampton Road
Rocky RiverElyria Public Library
1194 West River Road
Elyria
How do you collect?
1) Harvest milkweed seed pods from the plant when they are dry, gray or brown in color, and splitting at the center seam. If the center seam pops with gentle pressure, the pod can be collected. Do not pick the pods when they are green because the seeds are not viable yet.
2) Collect milkweed pods in paper bags and label the bag with your county and the date it was collected. Avoid using plastic bags because they retain moisture and can possibly damage the seed. Store in a cool, dry place until you bring them to a drop-off location.
3) Drop the labeled bags at any of our drop off locations--we will be collecting until November 1st.
