City of Plano
Plano, TX
John Muns
Summary for 2026
The City of Plano is home to approximately 299,262 residents and is located just North of Dallas. Plano is recognized as a leader in sustainability, as shown by their 2023 Texas Environmental Excellence Award. Plano is currently pursuing the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) Community Wildlife Habitat Certification. There are currently hundreds of wildlife habitats already located throughout the City including many Monarch habitats.
City of Pasadena
Pasadena, CA
Victor Gordo
Summary for 2026
Nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Foothills, the City of Pasadena is home to a diverse and resilient community of 137,195 people deeply connected to its surrounding mountains, canyons, and urban green spaces. This landscape forms part of a vital ecological corridor for monarch butterflies and other pollinators that rely on intact habitat for breeding, migration, and overwintering across Southern California. In the aftermath of the Eaton Fire, which impacted Pasadena and neighboring Altadena residents, the importance of restoring and protecting natural systems has become even more clear—healthy, biodiverse landscapes are foundational to both ecological recovery and community resilience. Under the leadership of Mayor Victor Gordo, Pasadena reaffirms its continued commitment to protecting monarch and pollinator habitat through participation in the National Wildlife Federation’s Mayors’ Monarch Pledge. This pledge represents a forward-looking investment in recovery and renewal, prioritizing native plant restoration, pollinator-friendly practices in public spaces, and community engagement rooted in stewardship and education. By taking action now, Pasadena honors those affected by recent fire impacts while strengthening the living systems that help our city heal, adapt, and thrive together.
Town of Bedford
Katonah, Bedford Hills, and Bedford, NY
Ellen Calves
Summary for 2026
The Town of Bedford, located in Westchester County just north of New York City, spans nearly 40 square miles, with 26% preserved as open land. Bedford has been at the forefront of environmental action on multiple fronts, including waste management and energy efficiency. The town enforces stringent leaf blower regulations and maintains a pesticide-free policy for parks and highways. Several public display gardens, cared for by town employees and dedicated volunteers, serve as models of sustainable landscaping. Additionally, more than 200 residents have committed their properties to the Pollinator Pathway program, supporting vital habitat for pollinators.
City of Plymouth
Plymouth, MI
Linda Filipczak
Summary for 2026
The City of Plymouth, MI is a vibrant community with a population of approximately 9,300 people that is located about 10 miles west of Detroit. The center of downtown is beautiful Kellogg Park, a popular space to sit by the new fountain, visit with friends, or attend a concert or event. Just outside downtown, you'll find traditional neighborhood streets with sidewalks, mature trees, community gardens, and over 12 parks; many including playgrounds. By signing the Mayor's Monarch Pledge, the City of Plymouth is committed to saving the monarchs and increasing awareness about pollinator habitat decline.
Hamilton Township
Hamilton Township, NJ
Jeffrey Martin
Summary for 2026
Hamilton Township’s 100,000 residents span from the Delaware River’s marshlands in the east to farmlands in Central New Jersey. The oldest parts of the township were settled during the colonial era, similar to neighboring Trenton, the state capital. Mayor Martin’s commitment to supporting monarchs and other pollinators shows in his support of the newly planted Wing Haven Meadow, the five other gardens in the township planted with native flowers, his support for the volunteers on the Township’s Green Team and efforts to plant other municipal spaces with milkweed and other native plants, including the new municipal building complex.
Village of Wauconda
Wauconda, IL
Jeff A. Sode
Summary for 2026
On behalf of the Village of Wauconda, I proudly reaffirm our full commitment to the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge. We recognize the vital role monarch butterflies and other pollinators play in sustaining healthy ecosystems and vibrant communities. Our Village is dedicated to protecting and restoring monarch habitats through education, conservation efforts, and the expansion of native plantings throughout our community. Together, we will take meaningful action to ensure future generations can continue to witness the beauty and importance of the monarch butterfly.
Town of Penfield
Penfield, NY
Kevin Berry
Summary for 2026
The Town of Penfield is located in New York State with a population of just under 40,000. On the outskirts of the City of Rochester Penfield has 10 town owned parks including approximately 390 acres of land. Penfield strives to be a good steward of the environment and has a sustainability committee that focuses on energy and environmental conservation. Supervisor Berry and the Penfield Town Board are dedicated to taking initiatives to protect native pollinators, specifically the monarch butterfly, and look forward to continuing to engage with residents through education and protection of pollinator habitat.
City of Woodstock
Woodstock, IL
Michael Turner
Summary for 2026
Woodstock, Illinois, is home to approximately 25,000 residents and is located in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. The city is home to 553 acres of parkland, including developed parks, natural areas, community gardens, and open spaces. Mayor Michael Turner is committed to saving the monarch butterfly and other pollinators by signing the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge on February 17th, 2026. The City of Woodstock, alongside its residents and environmental ambassadors, vows to continue engaging with our community to encourage pollinator habitat rehabilitation. 2026 marks the fifth year of Woodstock’s commitment.
City of Dalworthington Gardens
Dalworthington Gardens, TX
Laurie Bianco
Summary for 2026
The City of Dalworthington Gardens, Texas is a rural oasis in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The City covers an area of almost 2 square miles and has a population of approximately 2,200. A 43-acre park includes a lake and offers a chance for people to relax and enjoy being in nature. Mayor Bianco of Dalworthington Gardens first took the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge in 2019. Eight action items were pledged to qualify the City as part of the Leadership Circle, a status that we continue to work to maintain to raise awareness in the community and encourage conservation practices to support the monarch butterfly. A garden in Gardens Park was reworked in response to one of the first year’s action items. It now better supports monarch butterflies on their migration and has received designation as a Monarch Waystation.
Denville
Denville, NJ
Thomas Andes
Summary for 2026
The Township of Denville, known as the "Hub of Morris County," is located halfway between the Hudson and Delaware Rivers. This 12.74 square mile suburban community is the home of 17,000 residents. The Environmental Commission is very excited to begin the process to rejuvenate the Monarch Butterfly population in our yards, parks and open space.
