SIDNEY — The Shelby Soil and Water Conservation District has a limited amount of free milkweed seed packets available for anyone to come pick up.

Monarch butterflies are important pollinators in the area. Their populations have been alarmingly declining over recent years. Anyone can help by planting milkweed seeds on their property.

Monarchs depend on milkweeds as host plants. The butterflies deposit eggs on milkweed plants, which then provide nutrition for the caterpillar phase of the butterfly’s life cycle.

More information about the importance of attracting pollinators can be found at: www.ophi.info. The milkweed seed packets can be picked up at the Shelby Soil and Water Conservation District, 822 Fair Road, Sidney, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Also going on right now at the Shelby Soil & Water Conservation District is the Annual Fish Sale. Fall is a great time to re-stock a pond for a low price. Orders must be placed by noon on Friday, Oct. 18, 2019. The fish will be available for pickup on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019.

More information can be found at www.shelbyswcd.org, 822 Fair Road, Sidney, or by calling 937-492-6520 extension 3.