Why Monarchs Need Mayors: Celebrating 5 Monarch Butterfly Advocates of 2025

Ten years ago, the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge program envisioned a future that had mayors and local governments at the forefront of monarch conservation. Since then, 2,300 pledges have been taken by mayors and heads of local governments across North America. Signatories have reported enhancing or restoring over 11,500 acres of habitat for monarchs and pollinators, while engaging more than 13 million people, including more than one million youth.

2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the National Wildlife Federation’s Mayors’ Monarch Pledge! Our program is designed to support cities, municipalities, and other communities as they commit to creating healthy, sustainable habitats for the monarch butterfly and pollinators while educating residents about how they can make a difference at home. Cities, towns, counties, and communities have a critical role to play in helping save the monarch butterfly. 

Municipalities can provide quality habitat for monarchs and other pollinators at public parks, median strips, community gardens, schools, and municipal buildings, like recreation centers and libraries. Events such as community workshops, native plant giveaways, and monarch festivals can educate residents about the cultural significance of monarchs and how to create habitat at home. Simple changes in landscaping ordinances or other policies can make a big difference for the monarch, too. 

For example, communities can revise property maintenance policies so they incentivize native plants and planned natural landscapes, such as certified wildlife habitats, while also limiting uncontrolled growth and potential hazards for residents. Municipalities can and should repeal outdated ordinances that prohibit the planting of milkweed, which is the only host plant suitable for monarch caterpillars.

To round out 2025, we are celebrating 5 local governments across the U.S. and Canada that were some of the best advocates for monarchs in 2025:

Boise’s Beautiful Home for Monarchs and Pollinators

Boise is the only Idaho city to step up for monarchs through the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge in 2025, committing to 11 actions to protect monarchs and other pollinators. Under the leadership of Mayor Lauren McLean, they have achieved “Leadership Circle” status since 2022, a recognition of their tremendous achievements in monarch conservation.

Boise has educated residents about native plants, hosted plant giveaways, launched a seed library, organized a community dance project, installed monarch gardens at local parks, and updated property maintenance ordinances to benefit local pollinators and wildlife.

San Marcos Leads Texas Communities in Monarch Conservation

San Marcos, Texas, has been a signatory of the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge since 2022. In 2022 and 2023, they earned Leadership Circle achievement, and in 2024, they reached Monarch Champion status for the first time, signifying their tremendous commitment to monarch conservation. They have engaged over 5,800 individuals and created over 11 acres of monarch habitat across their city. In 2025, they led the state by committing to 29 actions. 

“Monarch conservation provides a myriad of benefits to wildlife in general. Since the City of San Marcos is along a major migratory path for monarchs and other wildlife species, we can have a direct impact on their populations. It is important for everyone to do what they can and encourage others to make a difference,” – Mayor Jane Hughson of San Marcos, Texas.

Recurring Michigan Monarch Champions Soar with New Leadership

Rochester, Michigan, has been a monarch champion since 2022, completing a total of 75 actions to support monarch butterflies and other pollinators. In 2025, they committed to 27 actions, their most ambitious effort yet, under the leadership of new Mayor Nancy Salvia. Since joining our program, they have engaged over 2,500 residents and created more than 2.8 acres of monarch habitat. 

Making Homes for Monarchs in Black Mountain, NC

Black Mountain, NC, has been a signatory of the MMP since 2021. In 2025, they are leading the state with 15 commitments to monarch conservation through the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge. In 2025, they adopted a “No Mow May” resolution, encouraging residents to care for their lawns with wildlife in mind. They have also passed a Mayors’ Monarch Pledge proclamation to spread awareness about the importance of milkweed, monarchs, and pollinators.

Canadian Leaders Joining the Monarch Movement

The City of Vaughan, Ontario, has been an MMP signatory since 2018. Mayor Steven Del Duca is committed to this work, and the city has achieved Leadership Circle status since 2020. In 2025, Vaughn is leading monarch conservation efforts, committing to 20 actions to protect the monarch. They have engaged over 5,000 individuals and created over 12 acres of monarch habitat! 

Honorable Mentions: Taylor Morrison Monarch Pledge

The National Wildlife Federation is expanding its reach for monarchs through a transformative partnership with Taylor Morrison Home Corporation to restore and protect wildlife habitat in the homebuilder’s communities nationwide. We have certified over 130 monarch gardens through this partnership!

This year’s Mayors’ Monarch Pledge signatories span 39 U.S. states and include communities in Ontario, Canada. The top five states with the most community pledges in 2025 include: 

• Illinois, 57 communities
• Texas, 38 communities 
• New York, 28 communities
• California, 23 communities
• New Jersey, 18 communities

The future of the monarch butterfly depends on local efforts to plant native milkweed and nectar plants at our schools, backyards, towns, parks, and vacant spaces. Through the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge, we have demonstrated that local leaders play a crucial role in expanding monarch habitat, educating community members, and fostering the partnerships necessary to conserve monarchs across critical areas. 

The Mayors’ Monarch Pledge Program will be accepting new and returning signatories for 2026 beginning December 1st!