City of Lakeland
Lakeland, FL
Bill Mutz
Summary for 2024
Lakeland is a city in Central Florida with a current population of 126,248 and a population growth of 2.51% annually. Lakeland is located just south of the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve and has 38 named lakes within its city limits. Lakeland prides itself in having 76 park facilities and an urban forest consisting of 65,000 plus trees. Hollis Garden, Lakeland's downtown botanical display garden, is a Certified Butterfly Garden with the North American Butterfly Association (NABA) and many other park areas throughout the city are dedicated to native plantings that provide habitats for Monarch Butterflies and other pollinators. This includes Crago Park and a 1.2-acre wetland prairie dedicated specifically to Monarchs. Mayor Mutz of Lakeland, Florida has committed to saving the monarch butterfly and other pollinators by signing the Mayor's Monarch Pledge and looks forward to engaging residents in building more pollinator habitats throughout the city.
Crystal Lake Park District
Crystal Lake, IL
Jason Herbster
Summary for 2024
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.
City of Greenville SC
Greenville, SC
Knox White
Summary for 2024
Situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville is the major metropolitan area of the Upstate region of South Carolina with a population of over 70,000. Greenville’s reinvigorated downtown serves as the focal point, contributing significantly to the city’s rising reputation as one of the best places to live in the United States. The city features more than 400 acres of parkland, including Unity Park, Greenville’s newest park featuring state-of-the-art playgrounds, expansive green spaces, pedestrian bridges and walking trails and Falls Park on the Reedy River, featuring impressive natural waterfalls, gardens, nature trails and the Liberty Bridge, a striking pedestrian suspension bridge. Adding to the city’s distinctive charm is the Swamp Rabbit Trail, 22-miles of multi-use greenway that traverses along the Reedy River. The City of Greenville takes great pride in its parks and recreation system and the natural environment. Providing habitat for pollinators including Monarch butterflies is important to support the natural ecosystem, public and private gardens, and overall environment. The City of Greenville is committed to saving the monarch butterfly and other pollinators with the signing of the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge.
City of St. Louis
St. Louis, MO
Tishaura O. Jones
Summary for 2024
The City of St. Louis is located on the eastern border of Missouri along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River. This location is a natural byway for Monarch butterfly migration. In 2014, St. Louis began its Milkweeds for Monarchs initiative and has established well over 400 green spaces with milkweed and nectar sources to support the Monarch and other pollinators. Mayor Tishaura O. Jones continues the City’s important efforts to support pollinators and connect residents with nature. Monarch and pollinator gardens will continue to be established and maintained along greenways, in city parks, neighborhoods, schools and at homes across St. Louis.
City of Grand Forks
Grand Forks, ND
Brandon Bochenski
Summary for 2024
The City of Grand Forks is a hardworking community located on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota. Similar to many towns in North Dakota, Grand Forks is surrounded by fields and agriculture. The City takes the Mayor's Monarch Pledges because we believe we have a responsibility to nurture pollinators as they play a vital role in our local agricultural industries as well as day-to-day lives.
City of Austin
Austin , TX
Kirk Watson
Summary for 2024
Austin, Texas is one of the fastest growing metro areas in the United States according to the United State Census Bureau. Despite this rapid growth The City of Austin has a strong history of wildlife conservation in the face of a rapidly changing climate. Austin was the first city in Texas to adopt the Mayor’s Monarch pledge and has a long-standing history as a Community Wildlife Habitat through the National Wildlife Federation. Located in the heart of Texas, Austin sits along the central fly way of the monarch butterfly migration route and is dedicated to preserving and maintaining milkweed and nectar sources for the monarch's migration.
City of Mansfield
Mansfield, OH
Jodie Perry
Summary for 2024
Mansfield is a city located in north central Ohio with a population of approximately 48,000. We are located between Cleveland and Columbus and we are home to the world renowed botanical gardens of Kingwood Center Gardens and many community gardens. Mansfield has committed to saving the monarch butterfly and other pollinators and is looking forward to working with our residents in building more pollinator habitat throughout Mansfield.
Town of Southwest Ranches
Southwest Ranches, FL
Steve Breitkreuz
Summary for 2024
Southwest Ranches is a Town in south Florida with a population of about 8,000. The Town is one of the few remaining areas where acre-sized parcels are still the norm and residents prize their contact with nature. Mayor Breitkreuz is committed to the fight to save habitat for monarch butterflies and all pollinators and the Town encourages residents to create and preserve habitat.
Village of Buffalo Grove
Buffalo Grove, IL
Eric Smith
Summary for 2024
Buffalo Grove is a community that seamlessly blends intelligence with compassion. From its exceptional schools and green spaces to its accessibility and commitment to progress, BG is a place where every decision and every day is Smart. With Heart. Village leadership and staff have partnered with local volunteers since 2016 to promote efforts to save the monarch butterfly and promote pollinators in our community. These efforts have resulted in a wide variety of native plants throughout the village's many natural areas.
City of Evanston
Evanston, IL
Daniel Biss
Summary for 2024
Evanston borders Chicago on the north side and is an incredibly unique and passionate community. Climate action and green space preservation are important to our city and our residents. We look forward to doing our part to support monarchs and other pollinators.
