Community Profile

Pledge Status

Active

Pledge Date

Friday, March 20, 2026

Program Year

2026

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Action Item Report

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City of East Chicago

East Chicago , IN

Anthony Copeland

Mayor

Pledge Summary

The city of East Chicago is committed to providing habitat and spreading awareness for the Monarch butterfly. East Chicago has a large population of residents from Mexican descent for which the Monarch butterfly has deep cultural significance. East Chicago has two native pollinator gardens to support breeding Monarch populations, Cypra Garden in Washington Park and The Monarch Butterfly Garden in Kosciuszko Park. The city also has an annual Festival de la Monarca in the fall where it celebrates the Monarch butterfly's migration through East Chicago and its cultural connections to Mexico through music, food and dance.

Community Spotlight

Action Items Committed for 2026

Communications and Convening ▸

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 ▸

Host or support a native seed or plant sale, giveaway or swap.
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.
Host or support a monarch butterfly festival that is accessible to all residents in the community and promotes monarch and pollinator conservation, as well as cultural awareness and recognition.

Past Pledge Archive

Mayor Name	Program Year	Pledge Date	Achievement
Mayor Anthony Copeland	2026	3/20/2026		View Pledge
Mayor Anthony Copeland	2024	3/15/2024		View Pledge