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The Packaging Process
The main way Homes4Monarchs helps to save the monarchs is by distributing free milkweed seed packets.
Each packet is comprised of a bag, Homes4Monarchs sticker, instruction sheet, and 20-30 common milkweed seeds (Asclepias syriaca).
In 2019, Homes4Monarchs stopped using plastic zip-bags for its seed packets,and switched to paper envelopes to reduce both plastic waste and our carbon footprint.
To date, with the generous help of several thousand volunteers, Homes4Monarchs has created and distributed nearly 21,000 milkweed packets and has created an additional 20,00 milkweed packets in 2019!
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How does Homes4Monarchs make so many packets? Read below for our full assembly and distribution schedule.
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June-September: Homes4Monarchs holds several community/volunteer events to create the empty seed packets.
October: Peter and other volunteers begin harvesting the milkweed pods in designated locations throughout the Chicagoland area
October-November: Homes4Monarchs holds several more community/volunteer events where the seeds are scraped off the milkweed pods and placed in open-air containers to let any remaining moisture evaporate.
October-November: Volunteers place 20-30 seeds are placed in each packet, seal them, and put them in groups of 100.
December-March: Seed packets are distributed to various public spaces/businesses.
March-May: The last seeds are planted after the last spring frost.
A Brief History
Creating 41,000 milkweed packets wasn't - and still isn't- easy.
It takes an enormous amount of time, commitment, persistence, and just a bit of luck.
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October 2016: Homes4Monarchs is first founded by Peter Gordan (then a freshman in high school), who harvests the first batch of milkweed pods.
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October 2016-February 2017: Peter and his family package and distribute about 1,200 packets on their own.
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September-November 2017: Homes4Monarchs organizes volunteer events with local Boy/Girl Scouts (pictured below), as well as Stagg High School's Environmental Club and Key Club.
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October 2017-March 2018: With their help, Homes4Monarchs packages and distributes over 4,500 seed packets.
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March-July 2018: Peter meets with the directors of several prominent Chicagoland nature organizations to exchange ideas and participates in behalf of Homes4Monarchs in several conservation events.
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July 31, 2018: Homes4Monarchs organizes and holds its first independent packaging event at the Palos Park Recreation Center, which was attended by over 60 guests and assembled between 8,000-9,000 packets.
CLICK HERE to View the Event Flyer​
October 20, 2018: Homes4Monarchs held its second independent packaging event at the El Paseo Community Garden with a presentation delivered entirely in Spanish.
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January 12, 2019: Homes4Monarchs held its largest event to date: the Conservation Expo (ConEx). The event had 50 student volunteers, 50 conservation organizations and vendors, and live animals. Over 1,000 people attended.
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January-April: Homes4Monarchs created and distributed 15,000 packets for the 2018-2019 season
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August 2019-Now: Homes4Monarchs is organizing volunteer groups to assemble milkweed packets. Our goal is to create 20,000 packets in the 2019-2020 season.