Community-based conservation is an important aspect of monarch and pollinator conservation that ensures long-term conservation support and success. With monarchs experiencing significant population declines, scientists have called for an “all-hands-on-deck” approach to reach conservation goals. One way communities can get involved is through the establishment of quality monarch habitat composed of native nectar plants and milkweed.
In light of these conservation efforts, one popular activity that has emerged is the use of seed balls. By combining a mixture of clay, compost, and milkweed seeds, community members can easily disperse milkweed seeds while also increasing community involvement through the crafting of seed balls. The idea is appealing – just toss these seed balls in open areas and allow them to grow. A win-win for monarch conservation and community involvement.
However, the effectiveness of these seed balls is not well understood. Can milkweed seeds germinate from these balls of clay and compost? Do the layers of clay and compost protect and provide nutrients for the seeds? Or might they instead create challenges for seed germination?
These are questions Iowa Monarch Conservation Consortium alumni Emma Donahey and Kelsey Fisher worked to answer in their newly published research article (Donahey & Fisher, 2025). Emma, who worked as a monarch intern for the Consortium this past summer, wanted to test the germination rates of milkweed seeds encased within seed balls and compare these to natural wind dispersal. “I was really interested in this project because of its relevance to Iowa,” shared Emma. When researching seed balls, Emma noted that even with its widespread use, “there is limited research looking at germination efficacy. It felt important to look at what impacts seed balls could have on milkweed establishment.”
To test the different planting methods, Emma set up an experiment comparing the germination rates of both Common and Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias syriaca and Asclepias tuberosa, respectively) planted in seed balls vs bare seed. Additionally, Emma decided to test a third planting method – seed paper. Seed paper is another popular conservation activity where native seeds are embedded in recycled paper that can then be spread across the landscape to increase the presence of native plant growth.
With three planting methods in hand, Emma set up lab trials to test the percentage of plants that would sprout from each treatment. With both the common and butterfly milkweed seeds, Emma found significantly lower germination rates in seed balls compared to seed paper or bare seeds. While some seeds within seed balls sprouted, many more germinated from seed paper or bare seeds. Seed paper, on the other hand, had approximately the same levels of germination compared to bare seeds, suggesting that the paper did not hinder plant emergence.
Emma’s research shows that while seed balls can be a fun activity that do allow some milkweed seeds to grow, there may be other ways to increase community-based conservation that allow for a greater number of milkweed plants to successfully sprout. Seed paper, for example, seems to be a good alternative to seed balls as it is a creative activity that communities can do together, and it produces higher levels of seed germination compared to seed balls, at least in lab settings.
“The thing that I enjoyed the most about this research was sharing my findings with community members,” said Emma. “The best part was that we brought all the milkweed we’d grown over the past months and gave them out with planting instructions. It makes me happy thinking people left the event with more awareness about monarch decline with milkweed in-hand.” So, if you’re looking for a fun way to get your neighbors involved in monarch conservation, consider hosting a seed paper making party! Instructions on how to make your own seed paper can be found online with helpful video instructions. As we’re entering fall, now is also a great time to collect milkweed and native plant seeds and prepare them for winter planting! Check with local conservation organizations, like the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, for seed collecting opportunities near you.
References:
Donahey, E. C., & Fisher, K. E. (2025). Efficacy of human-managed milkweed (Asclepias sp.) dispersal methods to support monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) conservation. Journal of Insect Conservation, 29(5), 74. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10841-025-00707-2
Photo credits: Emma Donahey