Community Profile

City of Dana Point

Dana Point, CA

Matthew Pagano

Mayor

Pledge Summary

The City of Dana Point is dedicated to reviving the Monarch Butterfly populationthrough a community-driven initiative focused on creating and strengthening pollinator habitats. Recognizing the vital role Monarchs play in our ecosystem, the City has embarked on efforts to restore their wintering habitats and establish new spaces for them to thrive. With the help of local residents and interested visitors, Dana Point has been transforming public spaces into butterfly-friendly environments by planting California native plants that provide essential food and shelter for Monarchs during their migration. Through volunteer events and educational outreach, Dana Point residents are actively involved in fostering a healthier, more sustainable environment for Monarchs and other pollinators. This collaborative effort highlights the power of community action in protecting local wildlife and preserving the natural beauty of Dana Point.

Community Spotlight

Sea Terrace Park

Day one of the 2022 habitat workdays. Volunteers completely cleared room for new native plant growth.

2023 Monarch Butterfly Habitats Reach New Heights

The Monarch Butterfly Habitats program creates pollinator-friendly habitats throughout the city. Incorporating California native plants, many species are returning to Dana Point. In 2023, over 250 community volunteers created habitats, a new record!

2024 Monarch Butterfly Habitats Season is Here!

The City of Dana Point welcomes all volunteers to be a Habitat Helper and create a home in Dana Point for Monarch Butterflies. Access the link below to become a Habitat Helper and create a home in Dana Point for Monarch Butterflies!

Learn More

Action Items Committed for 2025

Communications and Convening ▸

Launch or maintain a public communication effort to encourage residents to plant monarch gardens at their homes or in their neighborhoods. (If you have community members who speak a language other than English, we encourage you to also communicate in that language; Champion Pledges must communicate in that language.)
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.
Engage with gardening leaders and partners (e.g., Master Naturalists, Master Gardeners, Nature Centers, Native Plant Society Chapters , other long-standing and influential community leaders) to support monarch butterfly conservation.

Program and Demonstration Gardens ▸

Facilitate or support a milkweed seed collection and propagation effort.
Earn or maintain recognition for being a wildlife-friendly city by participating in other wildlife and habitat conservation efforts (i.e., National Wildlife Federation’s Community Wildlife Habitat program).
Initiate or support community science (or citizen science) efforts that help monitor monarch migration and health.
Add or maintain native milkweed and nectar-producing plants in gardens in the community.
Launch, expand, or continue an invasive species removal program that will support the re-establishment of native habitat for monarch butterflies and other pollinators.
Display educational signage at monarch gardens and pollinator habitat.

Past Pledge Archive

Mayor Name	Program Year	Pledge Date	Achievement
Mayor Matthew Pagano	2025	1/23/2025		View Pledge
Mayor Jamey Federico	2024	3/30/2024	Leadership Circle	View Pledge
Mayor Mike Frost	2023	1/17/2023	Leadership Circle	View Pledge
Mayor Joe Muller	2022	3/4/2022	Signatories	View Pledge

Pledge Status

Pledge Date

Program Year

Links and Uploads

Action Item Report