The monarch butterfly is an iconic North American species whose multigenerational migration and metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly has captured the imagination of millions of people. Cities, towns, counties, and communities have a critical role to play to help save the monarch butterfly. Municipalities can provide habitat 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. Simple changes in landscaping or other initiatives can make a big difference for the monarch.
We recognize the importance of creating monarch and pollinator habitat at parks, gardens, and other green spaces, that every member of our community can equally enjoy.
The Whitestone Environmental Stewardship Committee will be considering Action Plans for the Mayors Monarch Pledge in the near future
RESOURCES AND ACTION PLANS
Resources - the National Wildlife Federation
Council Resolution for the Mayors Monarch Pledge dated May 3, 2021
WHEREAS the monarch butterfly is an iconic North American species whose multigenerational migration and metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly has captured the imagination of millions of Canadians;
AND WHEREAS the monarch butterfly population has declined by nearly 90% over the past 20 years, due to habitat loss from industrial agricultural practices in Canada and the US and deforestation in Mexico;
AND WHEREAS the Committee of the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada updated the monarch butterfly’s status from special concern to endangered in 2016;
AND WHEREAS climate change will pose new challenges for the monarch butterfly in the Parry Sound District and throughout its range;
AND WHEREAS municipalities have a critical role to play in helping to save the monarch butterfly;
AND WHEREAS every citizen of the Parry Sound District can make a difference for the monarch butterfly by planting native milkweed and nectar plants to provide habitat for the monarch butterfly and other pollinators;
NOW THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council for the Municipality of Whitestone signs the mayors Monarch Pledge;
AND THAT the Council for the Municipality of Whitestone calls upon all Parry Sound District municipalities to join them in signing the Mayors Monarch Pledge and taking action to restore the habitat for the monarch and encourage their citizens to do the same so that this iconic species may once again flourish across the continent.
AND FURTHER THAT the Whitestone Environmental Stewardship Committee make recommendations to Council in respect of Action items in support of the Monarch Pledge.
Information on the Mayors Monarch Pledge and Action Plans
The Dunchurch Agricultural Society introducing our Milkweed Project