City of Bloomington
Bloomington, MN
Tim Busse
Summary for 2026
The City of Bloomington, Minnesota, recognizes the importance of protecting pollinators and supporting the migration and survival of monarch butterflies. Through participation in the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge, a national initiative led by the National Wildlife Federation, the City commits to implementing local actions that expand monarch habitat, educate residents, and promote pollinator-friendly practices throughout the community. Communities, like Bloomington, play a critical role in reversing these trends by creating and restoring habitat in parks, public lands, rights-of-way, and residential areas. Bloomington will continue to maintain the prairie at the Public Works building in support of monarch and pollinators as part of the Civic Plaza campus. With the Nine Mile Creek Restoration project that starts in 2026, the City will be removing and managing invasive species like buckthorn. The overall project includes about 50 acres of savannah/prairie/wet meadow restoration. Educational signage regarding pollinator habitat will be installed as part of the project in 2027. Bloomington hires an educator from Hennepin County as part of their role in Richfield Bloomington Watershed Management Organization (RBWMO) to help educate students about pollinator habitats. Each year the City holds two invasive species events (Garlic Mustard Pull and the Buckthorn Bust) in support of the re-establishment of native habitats for monarch butterflies and other pollinators.
Apple Valley
Apple Valley, MN
Clint Hooppaw
Summary for 2026
With a population just over 55,000 people, the City of Apple Valley is a suburban community with a focus on being a great place to live through providing a safe, healthy, active community with parks to experience. Through a recent 2023 referendum, the City has been updating our Parks to provide better amenities and to enhance the natural beauty and vegetation of the City. The City is taking a keen interest in implementing more natural areas, with the first ever prairie planned for 2026. Large forest restoration is also occurring in our largest City park, which will result in a oak savannah like feel, that will provide habitat for our local pollinators and creatures. Through local plant workshops and volunteer planting events, the City continues to build up our natural habitats in both small and large areas to continue to help our native wildlife.
City of Vienna, WV
Vienna, WV
Chad Emrick
Summary for 2026
Vienna, West Virginia is a small city with a population of roughly 10,500. It is situated on the Ohio River to the west and nestled in a valley running along the river. Formerly a primarily industrial town, the city is currently in the process of redeveloping itself after the closure of many factories. One large site, a remediated Brownfield site, is in the process of being developed into a recreation area after receiving a Certificate of Completion. Many other parks and recreation areas exist in the city. One such area is a newly created "Pollinator Garden" which consists of a walking trail and seating areas and is home to numerous nectar producing plants. The Mayor is committed to saving the monarch butterfly and other pollinators with the signing of the Mayors' Monarch Pledge and looks forward to engaging the community and residents in establishing more pollinator habitats throughout the city.
City of Flushing
Flushing, MI
Edward J. Sullivan
Summary for 2026
The City of Flushing is a small municipality in southeast Michigan of approximately 8500. The city is nestled in a bend of the Flint River and is blessed with 8 beautiful parks and the 3.5 mile long Riverview Trail. Mayor Sullivan of Flushing, Michigan 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 habitats throughout the city.
Village of Mokena
Mokena, IL
George Metanias
Summary for 2026
The Village of Mokena is committed to supporting monarch butterfly conservation and promoting pollinator habitat within the community. Through public education, pollinator-friendly landscaping, and collaboration with local organizations, the Village will encourage the planting of native milkweed and nectar-producing plants in public spaces and private landscapes. Mokena will continue to identify opportunities to enhance natural habitats and raise awareness about the importance of pollinators to our local ecosystem.
Concord
Concord, NC
Steve Morris
Summary for 2026
Concord, North Carolina, is home to more than 115,000 residents and is the 10th largest and 7th fastest-growing city in the state. Concord is proud to be a certified National Wildlife Federation Community Wildlife Habitat. The City’s mission is to enhance quality of life by providing excellent service, planning for the future, and collaborating with the community. Concord has a rich history and strong economy, values its natural beauty, and is committed to working with the community to preserve these resources for generations to come. To support this commitment, Mayor Stephen M. “Steve” Morris is pledging to make Concord a welcoming place for pollinators, helping protect the plants and wildlife that keep our community healthy and thriving.
Village of Streamwood
Streamwood, IL
Billie Roth
Summary for 2026
The Village of Streamwood is an established community in the northwest suburban Chicago area. Streamwood has a strong reputation for its environmental stewardship. The Village owns and manages over 400 acres of wetland, open space, and natural preserves. The community's Cultural and Environmental Awareness Commission works to sustain this reputation with community programming focused on natural resource conservancy. They host various events including an environmental awareness day and community-based invasive removal program. The Village has received designation as a "Monarch Waystation" for its efforts in planting natural vegetation and supporting the health of monarchs and other pollinators.
City of Portland
Portland, ME
Mark Dion
Summary for 2026
The City of Portland is Maine's largest city with a population of just under 70,000. It is located on the shore of Casco Bay with strong historical and cultural connections to the sea. Portland has committed to preserve and protect natural resources and water quality as demonstrated by a prohibition on the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, the establishment of numerous urban meadows sown with native plants, and development standards that emphasize natural landscapes over pavement. Mayor Dion is committed to ensuring that the City continues its stewardship of the natural environment and taking measures to support native pollinators such as the Monarch Butterfly.
Village of Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire, IL
Elizabeth Brandt
Summary for 2026
Lorain
Lorain, OH
Jack Bradley
Summary for 2026
City of Lorain is a Lake Erie lakefront community of roughly 65,000 citizens. Since 2019, a concerned group of local volunteers has been actively working to create a "pollinator friendly" environment for monarchs and other pollinators. Lorain's "Butterfly Committee" has successfully created 14 native gardens throughout the City of Lorain to-date. We are on the monarch migration path, their first stop across Lake Erie from Canada, making Lorain an ideal refueling station for monarchs and other migratory pollinators. We pledge to continue our efforts to increase awareness of the plight of the monarch and to encourage residents within our community to join us in making Lorain a welcoming pollinator habitat.
