Community Profile

Pledge Status

Complete

Pledge Date

Friday, March 7, 2025

Program Year

2025

Achievement

Signatories

2025

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Action Item Report

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Village of Oak Park

Oak Park, IL

Vicki Scaman

Village President

Pledge Summary

The Village of Oak Park is doing its part to help save the monarch butterfly, an iconic North American species whose populations have declined dramatically in recent years. Village officials have joined hundreds of communities across the country in a pledge to create a healthy habitat that will aid monarch butterflies on their annual migration across the continent. In addition to issuing a proclamation to raise awareness of the decline of the monarch butterfly and the species’ need for habitat, the Village plants native milkweed and nectar plants on public properties when appropriate across the community, including traffic diverters, cul-de-sacs, medians and planters. The Village's Public Works Center is also home to a certified Monarch butterfly waystation. According to the National Wildlife Federation, monarch butterflies numbered around 1 billion in 1996. Today, their numbers have declined significantly as a result of numerous threats, particularly the loss of habitat due to cropland conversion, urban development, and agricultural practices.

Community Spotlight

Action Items Committed for 2025

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.

Program and Demonstration Gardens

  • Host or support a native seed or plant sale, giveaway or swap.

Systems Change

  • Change weed or mowing ordinances to allow for native prairie and plant habitats.
  • Increase the percentage of native plants, shrubs and trees that must be used in city landscaping ordinances and encourage use of milkweed, where appropriate.