Community Profile

Pledge Status

Complete

Pledge Date

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Program Year

2024

Achievement

Signatories

2024

Links and Uploads

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Action Item Report

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City of Waukesha

Waukesha, WI

Shawn Reilly

Mayor

Pledge Summary

The City of Waukesha is a community of approximately 70,000 residents. Residents are committed to protecting the Monarch Butterfly. The Mayor has supported their efforts and that of staff by endorsing the pledge for several years. The City has a Community Butterfly Garden, milkweed plantings and low mow areas to assist the Monarch. Educational sessions are also offered as part of the Arbor Day Celebration and has been incorporated into the Environmental Education Programs.

Community Spotlight

Action Items Committed for 2024

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 community garden groups and urge them to plant native milkweeds and nectar-producing plants.
  • 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.
  • Launch, expand, or continue an invasive species removal program that will support the re-establishment of native habitat for monarch butterflies and other pollinators.

Systems Change

  • Integrate monarch butterfly conservation into the city’s Park Master Plan, Sustainability Plan, Climate Resiliency Plan or other city plans.