PA Environment Digest Blog: Hollow Oak Land Trust Spotlight: Laura Theofanous - Championing Milkweed At The Nike Missile Site In Allegheny County

The Hollow Oak Land Trust, based in Coraopolis, Allegheny County, recently shared the story of Laura Theofanous and her efforts to help propagate milkweed, the monarch butterfly's favorite food, at the Nike missile site in Montour Woods owned by the Trust in Moon Township.

Here is her story--

In our ongoing efforts to support pollinators, we sat down with Laura Theofanous, a passionate advocate for Monarch butterflies.

Her journey began a few years ago when she learned about the alarming decline of these beautiful creatures, largely due to habitat loss from development, urban sprawl, and herbicide use.

Committed to making a difference, Laura started planting native milkweed in her own garden and noticed some already thriving at the Nike site.

As a subscriber to Monarch Watch— a nonprofit focused on Monarch conservation —Laura discovered that they were offering free milkweed plants for large habitat restoration projects.

Recognizing the potential of the Nike site, she, with the help of her husband Angelo, submitted a detailed application.

Their efforts paid off, and they received around 100 milkweed plants for the site.

Reflecting on the project, Laura shared how the Nike site holds special significance for her and Angelo.

They “discovered” it before Hollow Oak acquired the property, and it quickly became a favorite spot for walks with their dogs.

Over time, Laura has witnessed a transformation from a barren landscape to a vibrant meadow.

She envisions a future where the remnants of the old missile base vanish, replaced by a lush environment accessible to the public and supportive of native pollinators.

As more people visit the site, Laura hopes they will recognize the beauty of native plants and reconsider their value in the landscape, leading to more people planting natives in their own yards for the benefit of the ecosystem.

At the Nike Site, Laura envisions increasing the number of Pennsylvania native wildflowers and addressing invasive species like multiflora rose.

With the addition of a pond, there is an exciting opportunity to introduce water-loving plants such as swamp milkweed.

Laura also suggests adding benches for visitors to relax, bird watch, and enjoy the space, alongside educational signage to honor the site’s history.

Laura has already observed positive changes in the ecosystem from their restoration efforts, including the emergence of new milkweed species like butterfly milkweed.

Finally, Laura emphasizes the importance of membership dollars in supporting these initiatives.

Funds could be directed toward purchasing benches and signage, as well as exploring corporate sponsorships to enhance the site further.

We’re grateful for Laura’s dedication and vision for the Nike site, and we look forward to seeing this project flourish with both community support and growing native habitats!

Visit the Hollow Oak Land Trust website to learn more about programs, initiatives, upcoming events and how you can get involved. Click Here to sign up for regular updates (bottom of page).

Resource Links:

-- Guest Essay: Pennsylvania Native Plants And Insects Getting Legislative Attention - By Nate Reagle [PaEN]

-- Pollinator Gardens: Help Encourage Ecological Diversity In Your Own Backyard [PaEN]

-- Penn State Watershed Friendly Certification Program Expands To Large And Small Properties, Apartments [PaEN]

-- Penn State Master Gardeners Certification As Pollinator Friendly Garden

-- Pollinator Vehicle License Plate Now Available From PennDOT To Support Pollinator Habitat Fund [PaEN]

-- NRCS-Pennsylvania Announces Sign-Up For Conservation Easement Programs [PaEN]

-- Buffalo Creek Coalition Meets Nov. 14 In Butler County On State Of Watershed, Habitat Restoration, Lingering Hemlock Project [PaEN]

-- US Forest Service Watershed Forestry Team Hosts Webinar On Riparian Forest Buffer Success And Innovation Begins Oct. 10 [PaEN]

-- Allegheny Land Trust Names Sarah Costlow Vice President Of Land Conservation [PaEN]

NewsClips:

-- PittsburghUnionProgress.com: Turnpike Hears Strong Opposition To Allegheny Mountain Bypass