Mayors' Monarch Pledge Reporting

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Action 4:

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Engage with city parks and recreation, public works, sustainability, and other relevant staff to identify opportunities to revise and maintain mowing programs and milkweed / native nectar plant planting programs.

Upload any relevant documents, images, or other attachments related to your effort on this action.

Water Tower - Summer.jpeg
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Skunk Island - Summer.jpeg
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Water Tower - Fall.jpeg
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Skunk Island Map.docx
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How many community organizations and groups participated? Please list them below.

Town of Normal Parks Maintenance Staff, local disc golf course club members, and local bird watching groups.

Please describe the extent of engagement with these groups and revisions/maintenance implemented for mowing or planting programs.

The redesigned Maxwell Park Disc Golf Course recently expanded into the Skunk Island section of the park. The unofficial Skunk Island name signifies the natural and unnatural separation of this tract of park land by the creek (Skunk Creek) and Interstate 55/74. Prior to the disc golf course expansion, this area of the park was used by wildlife watching enthusiasts. Birds flock to the groves of dogwood shrubs and butterflies flutter in the goldenrod. However, many invasive plants also exist including bush honeysuckle, poison ivy, wild parsnip, poison hemlock and ragweed. The groups worked together to layout the course fairways that would have the least impact on the natural habitat. While mowed areas were developed, many invasives plants were removed and the narrow trails were improved. Work is still on-going. And while yellow Indian grass, foxglove beardtongue and switchgrass are widespread on the island, milkweed is sparse. Future improvements include the planting of additional milkweed and other pollinating plants.

Action 14:

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Plant milkweed and pollinator-friendly native nectar plants along roadsides, medians, or public rights-of-way.

Action 19:

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Add or maintain native milkweed and nectar-producing plants in gardens in the community.

Action 20:

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Launch, expand, or continue an invasive species removal program that will support the re-establishment of native habitat for monarch butterflies and other pollinators.

Action 26:

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Launch, expand, or continue an effort to change municipal planting ordinances and practices to include more native milkweed and native nectar producing plants at city properties.

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