We are answering a call to action by the National Wildlife Federation to yet again take the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge as part of this newly-evolved annual designation program. Cary has been a partner with the NWF since 2015 when we first took steps to become the 101^st municipality in the nation to achieve the designation of a Certified Wildlife Community Habitat. We deepened our efforts in 2019 when we first took the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge to educate our community and create monarch butterfly habitat areas. Now that the NWF has expanded their monarch protection programs to an annual certification option, we are yet again leading the charge to protect these majestic creatures through education, engagement, and habitat creation.

Through community action, education, and outreach, we accomplished the objectives outlined in the NWF's Mayor's Monarch Pledge and successfully increased native habitat to specifically support monarch butterflies.

Monarch butterflies visit gardens and backyards in North Carolina on their epic multi-generational migration between Canada and Mexico. However, their numbers have been in a steady decline over the last 20 years due to habitat loss and varying weather patterns.

Through our diverse Environmental Outreach Programs and project offerings we support households and community members to take small, simple steps to support the future survival of this important pollinator species for generations to come.

The 2019 proclamation follows years of ongoing efforts by Cary staff and residents to protect natural habitat areas, grow pollinator-friendly native plants, and promote public awareness of how much we depend on pollinators for food security and to build healthy, vibrant communities.

Small actions can have a big impact

There are several actions that collectively have a large impact on monarch butterfly conservation, and almost anyone can make them.

• Always plant native plants when possible.

• Plant milkweed and in large numbers.

• Reduce the use of pesticides in backyards and on lawns.

• Educate yourself and help raise awareness.

More Resources:

• North Carolina Native Plant Society
• Learn about the Monarch Butterfly (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
• How to build a butterfly garden in seven steps (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
• Action steps for children and families (National Wildlife Federation)
• Million Pollinator Garden Challenge

Contact

Sarah Justice
Environmental Outreach Program Coordinator 
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources 
P.O. Box 8005
Cary, NC 27512-8005
(919) 469-4301
sarah.justice@carync.gov