The grasslands ecological area GEA of the SAN joaquin valley is a ramsar designated site and serves as an important region for migratory waterfowl in california s central valley however, its network…

The grasslands ecological area GEA of the SAN joaquin valley is a ramsar designated site and serves as an important region for migratory waterfowl in california s central valley however, its network of wetlands and uplands can and do also benefit a variety of other wildlife species due to the ongoing drought in california, management of natural areas has focused on maximizing habitat value to wildlife given minimum water availability in order to capitalize on habitat restoration opportunities that are located near current water sources, the GWD has identified canal and wetland edges as prime locations for establishing habitat for pollinators the grassland water district is partnering with the east stanislaus RCD, valley ECO, and the partners for fish and wildlife PFW program to create this valuable pollinator habitat on private wetlands in the GEA this PFW project intends to focus on at least two different private properties as part of the GWD s larger monarchs amongst the tules project and will contribute towards that project s goal of enhancing approximately 125 acres of pollinator habitat this project also complements the GWD s ongoing monarch friendly canals project doing similar pollinator work on the edges of irrigation canals, and coincidingly supporting a single pilot wetland enhancement effort this PFW project will primarily benefit the monarch, an imperiled species and candidate for federal listing, but is anticipated to also benefit numerous pollinator insects including other butterflies and bees the GEA and this project fall within a high priority action zone for recovering western monarchs, specifically for developing early breeding habitat xerces society by creating additional pollen nectar sources in this area, the project will likely increase survival of monarch populations during both the migration and breeding period incorporating milkweed into planting seeding efforts will also be indispensable to monarch caterpillars partnering with landowners and organizations alike is key to fostering the continued enhancement of multi species benefits throughout the GEA this project will involve establishing milkweed and other pollinator friendly plants through both seed and plugs implementation steps may include ground preparation, irrigation system installation, planting seeding, and weed control IT may also involve monitoring restored habitat, developing management practices for landowners, and providing outreach to other interested parties