City of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ
Kate Gallego
Summary for 2024
Phoenix is the fifth largest city in the country and is located in the beautiful Sonoran Desert. Phoenicians are committed to the vision of becoming the most sustainable desert city on the planet, and have a strong ethos of habitat conservation, wise water use, and support of native plant species. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego signed the Mayor's Monarch Pledge to raise awareness and galvanize efforts to expand crucial habitat and food sources for monarch butterflies. The city looks forward to working with residents and stakeholders to increase the prevalence of native plants throughout the city to support pollinators.
Edgerton
Edgerton, WI
Christopher Lund
Summary for 2024
Pledge Summary: Edgerton is an established community (population 5,945) with a rich history and strong community spirit. Located in the fast growing I-90 corridor amid the rolling countryside of South-Central Wisconsin Edgerton is home to 14 parks & recreational areas, 1 golf course and tons of gardens (including a community garden) where pollinators are all welcomed. Since 2021, Mayor Christopher Lund of Edgerton, Wisconsin has committed to save the monarch butterfly and other pollinators by signing of the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge. Chris looks forward to engaging residents in building more pollinator habitat throughout the city.
City of Minnetonka
Minnetonka, MN
Brad Wiersum
Summary for 2024
Minnetonka is a fully developed suburban community of more than 53,000 residents located eight miles west of Minneapolis. The city’s natural surroundings — including woodlands, prairies, wetlands and other bodies of water — set it apart from similar-sized Twin Cities suburbs and give the community a distinct character. Minnetonka has a long history of habitat protection and restoration, and in 2017 joined the Mayors' Monarch Pledge to focus actions that benefit monarchs, pollinators and other wildlife on public and private property. Minnetonka has been a Monarch Champion city three times since 2020, and in 2023 worked on all 29 action steps. We welcome you to contact our pledge coordinator, Christine Petersen (cpetersen@minnetonkamn.gov or 952-988-8442) to learn more about Minnetonka’s efforts on behalf of pollinators.
City of Pharr
Pharr, TX
Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez
Summary for 2024
With a population of 80,000 residents, the City of Pharr is located in the Rio Grande Valley. This region of Texas is significant to the central migratory flyway of the monarch butterfly, and city leadership recognizes its importance in ensuring that our community is educated about this.
City of Mountain View
Mountain View, CA
Alison Hicks
Summary for 2024
The City of Mountain View is looking forward to participating in its third year of the Mayor's Monarch Pledge and continue the efforts that were started over the last two years. The City will be completing its third phase of pollinator habitat enhancements in our regional park, Shoreline at Mountain View. The City will also continue our Seed Library Program and partnering with community organizations to maintain a demonstration pollinator garden that provides tours and informational for residents to replicate. Lastly, Mountain View is in the process of creating a Biodiversity and Urban Forestry Plan that will be moved forward in 2024.
Borough of Mountain Lakes
Mountain Lakes, NJ
Khizar Sheikh
Summary for 2024
Mountain Lakes NJ is a borough in Morris County with a strong history and commitment to protecting our environment and wildlife habitats.
The City of Rochester Hills
Rochester Hills, MI
Bryan Barnett
Summary for 2024
Established in 1984, the City of Rochester Hills, in Southeast Michigan, has a population of roughly 75,000. Rochester Hills is committed to sustaining its position among the nation’s preeminent places to live, work and raise a family. The community continues to value its natural resources and green spaces. The City sees the importance of not only protecting and enhancing these resources; but acting as a leader and model to residents and the community. As part of this effort, the city is committed to taking actions to conserve and maintain pollinator habitats. Actions include supporting local native plants sales, seed collection programs, providing pollinator habitat support to HOA's and residents, and continued stewardship efforts in our City Parks and Green Spaces.
City of Chamblee
Chamblee, GA
Brian Mock
Summary for 2024
Chamblee is a vibrant urban city located just 14 miles from downtown Atlanta with a population of roughly 30,000 residents. The city is located within the piedmont region of the state and is home to 10 parks and the Chamblee Rail Trail. Mayor Mock has committed to saving the monarch butterfly and other pollinators with his signing of the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge and looks forward to engaging residents in building more pollinator habitat throughout the city.
Town of Oakville
Town of Oakville, ON
Rob Burton
Summary for 2024
In the harmonious and vibrant community of Oakville, Ontario, an unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable living is evident. This dedication beautifully intertwines with the town's efforts in monarch and pollinator conservation, showcasing Oakville's profound respect for nature and its inhabitants. Monarch and Pollinator Conservation in Oakville: A Testament to Environmental Responsibility Community Engagement and Education: Oakville's residents and local organizations, such as the Oakville Horticultural Society and Halton Region Master Gardeners, play a pivotal role in educating and engaging the community in pollinator conservation. Workshops, community programs, and informative resources are provided to enhance awareness about the importance of pollinators and the threats they face. Promotion of Pollinator-Friendly Gardens: The town encourages residents to cultivate pollinator-friendly gardens, especially in boulevard spaces. This initiative aligns with Oakville's policy of reducing water usage and avoiding harmful pesticides. Planting native and diverse plant species not only beautifies the town but also creates a haven for monarch butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Support for Native Plant Species: Oakville's commitment to environmental sustainability is reflected in its encouragement of planting native species that are crucial for pollinators. The town provides guidance on selecting plants that bloom from spring to fall, offering a sustainable source of nectar for monarchs and other pollinators. Habitat Creation and Preservation: The town's green spaces, including its 1,700 hectares of parklands and over 300 kilometres of active recreational trails, serve as vital habitats for pollinators. Efforts are made to maintain these areas in ways that support the life cycles of monarchs and other important pollinators. Reducing Pesticide Use: In line with its environmental policies, Oakville advocates for the minimal use of pesticides, promoting natural alternatives to ensure the health and safety of pollinators. This approach is instrumental in creating a safe environment for monarchs during their critical breeding and feeding times. Collaborative Efforts with Educational Institutions: Sheridan College's innovative programs and the town's partnership with educational and conservation groups play a crucial role in pollinator conservation. Research and projects focusing on sustainable practices contribute significantly to conservation efforts. Community Events Focused on Conservation: Oakville hosts various events and festivals that often include themes of environmentalism and conservation. These events serve as platforms for raising awareness about the plight of monarchs and the importance of pollinators in our ecosystem.
City of Charlotte
Charlotte, NC
Vi Lyles
Summary for 2024
The City of Charlotte provides services to nearly 900,000 residents. The city’s focus areas are Community Safety, Housing and Neighborhood Development, Economic Development, Environment, and Transportation & Planning. Charlotte is guided by the following mission: "Charlotte will lead as a global city by continuously improving, protecting, and preserving the environment, its community, and economy, while ensuring equity and resilience - for today’s and future generations." In addition, the Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 2021, states: "Charlotte will protect and enhance its surface water quality, tree canopy, and natural areas with a variety of trees, plantings, green infrastructure, green building practices, and open space at different scales throughout the entire community as a component of sustainable city infrastructure that addresses the threat of climate change." Lastly, in 2018, Charlotte City Council unanimously adopted the Strategic Energy Action Plan, and since then Charlotte has been taking bold action to strive towards a low-carbon, sustainable, resilient and equitable future.
