Community Profile

Pledge Status

Active

Pledge Date

Friday, March 13, 2026

Program Year

2026

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City of Vienna, WV

Vienna, WV

Chad Emrick

Mayor

Pledge Summary

Vienna, West Virginia is a small city with a population of roughly 10,500. It is situated on the Ohio River to the west and nestled in a valley running along the river. Formerly a primarily industrial town, the city is currently in the process of redeveloping itself after the closure of many factories. One large site, a remediated Brownfield site, is in the process of being developed into a recreation area after receiving a Certificate of Completion. Many other parks and recreation areas exist in the city. One such area is a newly created "Pollinator Garden" which consists of a walking trail and seating areas and is home to numerous nectar producing plants. The Mayor is committed to saving the monarch butterfly and other pollinators with the signing of the Mayors' Monarch Pledge and looks forward to engaging the community and residents in establishing more pollinator habitats throughout the city.

Community Spotlight

Action Items Committed for 2026

Communications and Convening

  • Issue a proclamation to raise awareness about the decline of the monarch butterfly and the species’ need for habitat. This proclamation must incorporate a focus on monarch conservation.
  • 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.

Program and Demonstration Gardens

  • Plant or maintain a monarch and pollinator-friendly demonstration garden at City Hall or another prominent or culturally significant community location.

Systems Change

  • Increase the percentage of native plants, shrubs and trees that must be used in city landscaping ordinances and encourage use of milkweed, where appropriate.
  • Integrate monarch butterfly conservation into the city’s Park Master Plan, Sustainability Plan, Climate Resiliency Plan or other city plans.