Community Profile

Pledge Status

Complete

Pledge Date

Monday, April 12, 2021

Program Year

2021

Achievement

Signatories

2021

Links and Uploads

View Links and Uploads

Action Item Report

View Report
Download Report

City of Mesa

Mesa, AZ

John Giles

Mayor

Pledge Summary

The City of Mesa is a part of a large metropolitan area in Arizona that is located in the beautiful desert Southwest. Mesa has been fortunate to be able to work with Southwest Monarch Study, a nonprofit researching the migration and breeding patterns of monarch butterflies in Arizona and the Southwestern U. S. Through their efforts, we know that there is much more to learn about the wild monarch migration throughout our region. With a size of 138 square miles and a population of over 500,000 residents, it just makes sense that we can and should be mindful of ways to enhance habitat for these and other pollinators and to encourage our greater community to do the same. It is an honor for me to support this initiative from the National Wildlife Federation and to join hundreds of other mayors in this effort.

Community Spotlight

b83132da-c44d-4451-9a33-d65dd03232f2

Monarch Haven and Reading Sanctuary

This pocket park, located at Red Mountain Library, is a place for monarchs, other butterflies, and the community. Enjoy butterfly-friendly plants, benches for reading, and a walking labyrinth for meditation in this serene desert landscape.

Learn More

Action Items Committed for 2021

Communications and Convening

  • 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

  • Host or support a native seed or plant sale, giveaway or swap.
  • Plant or maintain a monarch and pollinator-friendly demonstration garden at City Hall or another prominent or culturally significant community location.
  • Plant milkweed and pollinator-friendly native nectar plants along roadsides, medians, or public rights-of-way.
  • Display educational signage at monarch gardens and pollinator habitat.