Mayors' Monarch Pledge Reporting

Lake Deaton Park, 5300 County Road 155, Wildwood, Florida

Master Gardeners, local butterfly gardeners, and members of the FL Native Plant Society collaborated with key city staff in both planning and planting the new garden. Several potential public sites were carefully considered. Ultimately, Lake Deaton Park was chosen for its location, existing native flora and fauna, use by a wide cross-section of the community, particularly for enjoying its natural resources, and straightforward integration into the park's master plan. The project received strong support from different community groups, including a litter control/beautification collaborative and local credit union, who contributed time, tools, and labor. The undertaking brought together dedicated volunteers who were excited, and in some cases pleasantly surprised, to witness conservation initiatives in such a rapidly developing city. The project also enhanced teamwork among varied employees from multiple city departments, including human resources, public works, development services, parks and recreation, and the executive office. These individuals are now enthusiastically watching the garden grow, seeing their contributions take roots and bloom, both figuratively and literally. In addition to all of these benefits, the project has generated offers of future volunteering, which promises to unite additional members of Wildwoods diverse population.

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