Village of Port Barrington
Port Barrington, IL
KEITH VOGELER
Summary for 2026
The Village of Port Barrington is a small river town nestled in the Fox River Valley (pop.1584, 2020 Census) approximately 45 miles northwest of 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 is a designated Tree City U.S.A. and Bee City U.S.A. Because it is a river community, stormwater management is a priority---and lends perfect opportunities for using native pollinator plants in landscaping! This past year, Port Barrington has begun planning yet another pollinator friendly project at the shorelines of property that will soon be a community park. By signing the Mayors' Monarch Pledge, The Village of Port Barrington maintains its commitment to monarch and pollinator conservation.
Copley Township
Copley, OH
Jim Schulte
Summary for 2026
Copley Township is a community in Summit County, Ohio, committed to environmental stewardship and community engagement. The Township supports pollinator conservation through the planting and maintenance of a Monarch Butterfly Garden at Copley Community Park and the ongoing care and expansion of a rain garden at the Bunny Greenspace. Copley works in partnership with the Summit County Soil and Water Conservation District and Summit Metro Parks to advance initiatives such as rain gardens, rain barrels, tree planting, native plantings, seed distribution, and park enhancements. Through collaboration, education, and hands-on opportunities, the Township continues to promote awareness of pollinator health and is committed to expanding habitat and conservation efforts through the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge.
Montgomery Township
Montgomeryville, PA
Tanya Bamford
Summary for 2026
Montgomery Township is located in southeastern Pennsylvania and is a suburb of Philadelphia. With a population of about 26,000, we are a predominantly bedroom community with a robust commercial corridor and limited industrial areas. We have an Environmental Advisory Council comprised of residents that is committed to educating our residents and acting as advocates for a variety of environmental initiatives. These initiatives include reducing mowed areas, and replacing them with meadows, creating pollinator gardens and reducing the use of pesticides and herbicides in our community.
City of San Marcos
San Marcos, TX
Jane Hughson
Summary for 2026
San Marcos is a city in central Texas with a population of roughly 90,988. Located midway between Austin and San Antonio, San Marcos is a quickly growing community that is situated along a major migration route for many species including monarch butterflies. Our city has a direct impact on monarch populations as they move across this region each year. Mayor Hughson of San Marcos, TX has committed to saving the monarch butterfly and other pollinators with their signing of the Mayors' Monarch Pledge and looks forward to contributing to the enhancement and conservation of pollinator habitat throughout the city.
CROTON ON HUDSON
CROTON ON HUDSON, NY
Brian Pugh
Summary for 2026
Croton on Hudson is a village 25 miles north of New York City with a population of 8,000. The village borders two rivers and is also bounded by the forested watershed that filters the City’s famously pure drinking water. Many residents of the village treasure the natural environment and take responsibility for doing their part to preserve it. Village government under the leadership of Mayor Brian Pugh has undertaken numerous sustainability and conversation initiatives and has been honored with a 2026 Eco Award from Westchester County. As well as holding a Five-Star Title in in Clean Energy Communities from NYSERDA. The Mayor’s Monarch Pledge is an aspect of the Village’s commitment to promoting native plant landscaping and habitat gardening, which is spearheaded by the Conservation Advisory Council and Croton Garden Club.
City of Carbondale, Illinois
Carbondale, IL
Carolin Harvey
Summary for 2026
The vibrant City of Carbondale, Illinois rests amidst the natural wonder of Southern Illinois. Our community recognizes that human health depends on the health of biodiverse ecosystems that support the security and resiliency of food systems, healthy soil and air quality. With this pledge, the City of Carbondale is choosing to renew its commitment to assuring that pollinator-supportive landscaping and practices are prioritized in all current and future developments.
City of Little Rock
Little Rock, AR
Frank Scott, Jr.
Summary for 2026
The City of Little Rock is the capital city of Arkansas, with a population of approximately 205,000. As the state's largest city and a growing hub of culture, commerce, and community, Little Rock sits at the heart of a region rich in natural heritage. Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. has committed to conserving the monarch butterfly and the pollinator community that are so important to our ecosystem and economic health. Mayor Scott looks forward to engaging residents and creating more pollinator habitat throughout the city. This commitment is already taking root - the Little Rock Zoo has been awarded grant funding this year to restore native plants and control erosion, with a particular focus on pollinator gardens, reflecting the community's dedication to protecting the species and wild spaces that make Little Rock a vibrant place to live.
City of Highland Park
HIGHLAND PARK, IL
Jennifer Dotson
Summary for 2026
The City of Highland Park, Illinois is nestled along beautiful Lake Michigan just twenty-five miles from Chicago's Loop. Mayor Nancy Rotering pledges to continue programs, education, and collaboration to further the support the community creation of habitat and resources for Monarch Butterflies.
Town of Moraga
Moraga, CA
Kerry Hillis
Summary for 2026
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 included 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 Palm Desert
Palm Desert , CA
Evan Trubee
Summary for 2026
Palm Desert is a vibrant city in California’s Coachella Valley with a population of approximately 53,000 residents. Nestled against the Santa Rosa Mountains, it is known for its scenic desert landscapes, abundant sunshine, and wide range of parks, community gardens, and outdoor recreational spaces that support both residents and local wildlife. The city is also home to The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, a leader in environmental sustainability and species conservation, including the protection of desert plants and wildlife such as butterflies. City leadership, including Mayor Evan Trubee, has committed to protecting monarch butterflies and other pollinators through participation in the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge. He looks forward to strengthening the City’s partnership with The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens to engage residents in expanding pollinator-friendly habitats throughout Palm Desert. The City’s Public Works Department further supports these efforts by promoting sustainability and biodiversity through its landscaping practices. Public spaces are designed with drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly plants suited to the desert climate. Residents and HOAs are also encouraged to incorporate native plantings and reduce pesticide use. Together, these efforts help improve local ecological health and support a thriving pollinator population.
