Community Profile

Village of Port Barrington

Port Barrington, IL

Keith Vogeler

Village President

Pledge Summary

The Village of Port Barrington is a small town nestled in the Fox River Valley (pop. 1584, 2020 Census) approximately 45 miles from Chicago. Established in 1927 and Incorporated in 1969, this recreational community has walking, biking and snowmobile trails, boating, fishing, and several parks and marinas within its boundaries. The Fox River Preserve of the Lake County Forest Preserve District is also within the boundaries of Port Barrington, offering its own marina, pavilions, and connecting trails for more outdoor enjoyment. The Village maintains its status as Tree City U.S.A. and Bee City U.S.A. and has incorporated many pollinator-friendly gardens into its stormwater management program. Two new bioswales that were excavated last year have been planting with native, pollinator-friendly species this spring of 2025. Port Barrington works to spread the word about good stewardship of habitat for monarch butterflies through many activities incorporated all year long. By signing the Mayors' Monarch Pledge, the Village of Port Barrington furthers its commitment to monarch and pollinator conservation.

Community Spotlight

Leaves provide insect homes!

Educational signage encourages folks to "leave the leaves" to create an over-winter habitat for insects.

Hermann Park Bioswale: Before & After

One of the two new bioswales excavated and under-seeded with native plant seeds in 2024 has been further planted with native pollinator-friendly plugs in Spring 2025! Blooms exploded for everyone's enjoyment, especially butterflies!

POLLINATOR WEEK

At the annual Village Movie Night showing of The Wizard of Oz, Pollinator Week was promoted both on land and screen!!

Pollinator Week Promotion

Our Spring Egg Hunt was the perfect time for a coloring contest promoting the upcoming 2025 Pollinator Week!

Going for a stroll.....

Monarch "cat" on its way to the milkweed leaves in the background for lunch!

Monarch Watch Station

One of the many Village native pollinator "pocket gardens" resides behind the Village Hall in Hermann Park. A perfect example to homeowners of what can be done to support monarchs in smaller spaces

Action Items Committed for 2025

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.
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.
Create a community art project to enhance and promote monarch and pollinator conservation as well as cultural awareness and recognition.

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.
Add or maintain native milkweed and nectar-producing plants in gardens in the community.
Display educational signage at monarch gardens and pollinator habitat.

Past Pledge Archive

Mayor Name	Program Year	Pledge Date	Achievement
VILLAGE PRESIDENT KEITH VOGELER	2026	4/28/2026		View Pledge
Village President Keith Vogeler	2025	3/10/2025	Signatories	View Pledge
Village President Keith Vogeler	2024	3/28/2024	Signatories	View Pledge

Pledge Status

Pledge Date

Program Year

Achievement

Links and Uploads

Action Item Report