City of Decatur
Decatur, GA
Patti Garrett
Summary for 2022
Decatur GA is an urban city in the Atlanta metro region with a population of around 27,000 people in 4.5 sq mi. There are several community gardens in Decatur, including two on city-owned property. We are a Tree City USA and a Tree City of the World. Decatur was recognized as the first BeeCity in Georgia in July 2016 and has established two bee habitat gardens. Signing the Mayor's Monarch Pledge is another opportunity for the city to commit to additional conservation efforts and is supported by the city's Active Living Board and the Environmental Sustainability Board. We look forward to continuing our work to educate the community about strategies to conserve monarchs and to taking steps to establish additional natural habitats for monarch butterflies.
Town of Moraga
Moraga, CA
Renata Sos
Summary for 2022
The Town of Moraga is a semi-rural community nestled in the beautiful hillsides of the East Bay of Contra Costa County, California. Moraga's population is 17,692. In November 2020, the Moraga Garden Club launched the “Moraga for Monarchs” initiative which resulted in the installation of a 2,600 square foot Monarch Habitat and Demonstration Garden at Rancho Laguna Park. The garden includes native and fire-safe plants that flower between early spring and late fall each year and interpretive signage to educate the community. The project included significant fundraising efforts and countless volunteer hours. The Moraga for Monarchs initiative spanned over 15 months during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Community contributions include over 2,870 volunteer hours and donations exceeding $92,000. Community donations include in-kind donations from 27 businesses and monetary donations from 98 individual donors, 3 service clubs, 3 social clubs, 4 garden clubs, and 1 Moraga Foundation. The garden includes over 600 plants including 95 native and drought tolerant varieties to increase the habitat for monarch and pollinators.
City of Plainwell
Plainwell, MI
Brad Keeler
Summary for 2022
Plainwell is a small city of about 4,000 residents nestled in a beautiful setting on the Kalamazoo River. The river and surrounding areas are the backdrop for lush gardens and parks along the winding river trail. Plainwell features 7 bridges and 7 parks, each with their own unique features and amenities. The City Department of Public Works and the Parks & Trees Commission thoughtfully plan and maintain the parks and green spaces. The Mayor and City of Plainwell are committed to encouraging Monarch Butterfly population growth and are partnering with neighboring communities to further that goal. Current projects include creating a seed library and planning a seed swap, as well as creating new butterfly and pollinator gardens.
City of Manassas
Manassas, VA
Michelle Davis-Younger
Summary for 2022
Manassas is an urban habitat consisting of 45,000 people located 30 miles southwest of Washington, DC. The City is 10 square miles and has 230 acres of parkland and open space. In 2022, the City partnered with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation to implement the “No Mow Zone” signage in City parks so as to interpret natural areas for pollinators. By reducing mowed areas, the City is creating colorful wildflower fields, supporting pollinators, and controlling soil erosion. The City encourages its citizens to make a difference for the Monarch Butterfly by planting native milkweed and nectar plants to provide habitat for both the Monarch and other pollinators in locations where people live, work, and play.
Village/Town of Mount Kisco
Mount Kisco, NY
Gina Picinich
Summary for 2022
Mount Kisco, located in Westchester, NY, is a vibrant community filled with green spaces, quaint neighborhoods, and a walkable downtown. Although just three square miles, it is a premier destination for dining, shopping, entertainment and award winning medical care. Lead by our Conservation Advisory Council, Mount Kisco is a part of Healthy Yards' Pollinator Pathways project that encourages pollinator friendly native plantings. Our community is committed to enhancing and maintaining a natural environment that supports Monarch butterflies and other pollinators.
City of Des Moines
Des Moines, IA
T.M. Franklin Cownie
Summary for 2022
The City of Des Moines is a beautiful Midwest community in the middle of the fall Monarch Migration flight way. In an agricultural state, the City of Des Moines has an opportunity to help make a difference in Monarch conservation. Mayor Cownie has committed to conservation practices that promote habitat to help Monarchs and other pollinators in our city.
Crystal Lake Park District
Crystal Lake, IL
Jason Herbster
Summary for 2022
Charged with providing park and recreation services for approximately 55,000 residents, the Crystal Lake Park District system includes 42 parks spanning over 1,400 acres and program offerings of over 1,000 annually. Facilities include the Nature Center, Main and West Beaches, Colonel Palmer House, Lippold Family Golf Center, Boncosky Softball Complex at Lippold Park, Grand Oaks Recreation/Active Adult Center, the Racket Club, Barlina House Preschool, and numerous picnic shelters. In addition to parks, facilities and programs, the district maintains miles of bike and hiking trails enjoyed by many throughout the year. It is the mission of the Crystal Lake Park District to enrich all lives through Recreation, Parks and Nature.
City of Horseshoe Bay
Horseshoe Bay, TX
Cynthia Clinesmith
Summary for 2022
Horseshoe Bay is a city of about 8,000 people in Central Texas. Our administration and City Council have committed to promoting policies to protect our air, water and natural surroundings. Our location is well within the flyway of the eastern monarch butterfly, so we are well positioned to help out. We do this by educating our public about the monarch, events, an annual mowing delay on certain areas of the city, and by promoting the planting of native flowering plants and milkweed at our homes and businesses.
Village of Lake in the Hills
Lake in the Hills, IL
Ray Bogdanowski
Summary for 2022
The Village of Lake in the Hills, Illinois is located in the far northwest suburbs of Chicago with a population of 28,982. Since 1952, Lake in the Hills has provided a high quality of life for its residents and businesses. The community is home to 34 parks, with the largest natural resource being the 240-acre Fen at Barbara Key Park. The Village's recreational programs focus on utilizing outdoor spaces to bring the community together throughout the year. Aligning with the Village’s dedication to the preservation of our natural areas, Village President Ray Bogdanowski has demonstrated his commitment to creating or preserving pollinator habitats and educating citizens about how they can make a difference. With his signing of the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge, he encourages Village residents and staff to take steps to increase the planting of milkweed and nectar plants to preserve and strengthen the monarch butterfly population.
Village of Johnsburg
Johnsburg, IL
Edwin Hettermann
Summary for 2022
Village of Johnsburg is a beautiful, quaint, and bustling community, the Village of Johnsburg, Illinois welcomes all to the neighborhood, monarch's too! There is something for everyone in our village. From gorgeous views along Pistakee Lake, amazing village parks for recreational activities, to afternoons laughing with friends and family in the backyard, our village is right where you want to be. With around 6,400 residents in the village, you have the opportunity to make great friendships and be part of a growing community. Our village is expanding economically and recreationally, but we’ll never lose sight of our heritage, or give up our connection with nature or hometown values. Village President Edwin P. Hettermann and Trustee/Community Affairs Chair Beth Foreman has committed to saving the monarch butterfly and other pollinators with their signing of the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge and looks forward to engaging residents in building more pollinator habitat throughout the Village.
