OGUNQUIT — Come to a Pod Picking Party ”“ Ogunquit’s Fourth Annual Pod Picking Day ”“ on Saturday, August 15.

Join other volunteers and meet at the lighthouse on the Marginal Way, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

The Monarch butterfly population is seriously threatened. They lay their eggs on only one plant species ”“ milkweed. Black swallowwort is in the milkweed family, but is not native to this country. When Monarch larvae hatch and begin to feed on Black swallowwort leaves, they die.

We can help the Monarchs by stopping the spread of Black swallowwort. The seed pods of Black swallowwort are ripening now. They must be collected before they open and the seed parachutes float off in the wind to spread across more land.

Our goal is to stop the spread of non-native invasive plants threatening to overwhelm the native plants that our birds, insects and wildlife depend on for their survival.

No experience is necessary ”“ just a willingness and enthusiasm to assist the Marginal Way Committee in managing this highly invasive vine. We will explain and show you what to do. If you cannot pull vines, you can help us by monitoring where volunteer groups are working, to spot pods that have been missed.

Bring garden gloves and clippers if you have them. We will provide water, lemonade and snacks.

A rain date has been set for Sunday, August 16, only if there is heavy rain on Saturday. For more information, contact Joan Griswold by email at [email protected].