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Summary for 2025

Summary for 2025

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 on actions that benefit monarchs, pollinators and other wildlife on public and private property. Minnetonka has been a Monarch Champion city four times since 2020. 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.

Summary for 2025

The Village of Wilmette is located in the North Shore suburbs of the City of Chicago. Wilmette has a population of roughly 28,000. The Village is located along Lake Michigan and is home to extensive urban forests and a large tree canopy. President Plunkett of Wilmette, IL has committed to saving monarch butterflies, preserving native pollinators, and making progress on a variety of Village sustainability initiatives. Village Trustees and staff look forward to engaging residents in upkeeping and expanding our pollinator habitat throughout Wilmette.

Summary for 2025

The Village of Huntley, home to nearly 30,000 residents, is strategically positioned in Chicago’s "Golden Corridor" at the crossroads of I-90 and Route 47. As one of the region’s fastest-growing communities, Huntley blends suburban charm with progressive growth. Under the leadership of Village President Timothy J. Hoeft, Huntley is proud to renew its commitment to monarch butterfly and pollinator conservation by participating in the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge. Building upon past successes, Huntley continues to collaborate with local partners such as the Huntley Park District, the Huntley Rotary Club, and community volunteers. In 2024, the Village launched its third pollinator-friendly garden at Betsey Warrington Park, contributing to the creation of meaningful pollinator habitats across public parks. For 2025, the Village plans to expand its efforts through additional demonstration gardens.

Summary for 2025

North Mankato is a community with a population of 14,500. We currently have prairies at Benson Park, Bluff Park and a small demonstration prairie at City Hall along with19 other community parks, which incorporate Pollinator gardens. In 2022 an area in Spring Lake Park was transitioned into a sanctuary garden. A 5 year plan is in place to make another pollinator garden. Mayor Carlson of North Mankato has committed to saving the Monarch butterfly and other pollinators with the signing of the Mayors' Monarch pledge. It is our goal to work with the Local Master Gardeners and the 4H groups to help in the education to our citizens about pollinator gardens and their purpose.

Summary for 2025

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 Leenhouts 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.

Summary for 2025

The City of Springfield is the capital of the great state of Illinois, with a population around 113,000. Springfield lies in a valley and plain near the Sangamon River, with its own Lake managed by City Water, Light & Power (CWLP). There are multiple public and private schools in Springfield. In an effort to be a more environmentally friendly city, Mayor Buscher of Springfield, IL has committed to helping the monarch butterfly (our state insect) and other pollinators by their signing of the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge and completing the action steps necessary to do so.

Summary for 2025

Concord, North Carolina, population 112,000, is the 10th largest and 6th fastest growing city in the state of NC. Concord is also a NWF Community Wildlife Habitat that partners with the community to deliver excellent service, and plans for the future while preserving, protecting, and enhancing the quality of life. Concord is concerned about its natural, historic, economic, and aesthetic resources and work to preserve and enhance them for future generations. Mayor Dusch is making the pledge to ensure Concord is a welcoming place for pollinators.

Summary for 2025

The Town of York, comprised of Cape Neddick, York Harbor, York Village and York Beach, is in the southern tip of Maine and has a population of over 13,000 year-round residents. This coastal community is home to the Nubble Lighthouse, Mount Agamenticus, and is famous for its long sandy beaches. York also has large areas of forest, community parks, fields, and green space along with some of the highest levels of biodiversity in the state. In our recent Comprehensive Plan, a top goal is to preserve, protect, and enhance natural resources to include wildlife habitat. We are pledging to help protect and increase public awareness of Maine’s native pollinators, to include the monarch butterfly, and their habitats.

Summary for 2025

The City of Fort Atkinson is a vibrant community located along the Rock River, a few miles upstream from Lake Koshkonong, in Jefferson County, Wisconsin. Fort Atkinson is the largest city located entirely in the county. The city developed at the former site of Fort Koshkonong which was used during the 1832 Black Hawk War. Fort Atkinson’s name is derived from the original fort and General Henry Atkinson, who was in charge of the US forces during the war. City Manager Rebecca Houseman is committed to taking the Mayor's Monarch Pledge.