MesaNow
City of Mesa News
City of Mesa News
Mayor Mark Freeman has reaffirmed Mesa's commitment to creating habitat for monarch butterflies and other pollinators by signing the National Wildlife Federation's Mayors' Monarch Pledge. The pledge supports efforts to expand monarch habitat and to educate residents about how they can help.
"By joining the Mayors' Monarch Pledge, the City is demonstrating its dedication to creating and improving habitats for the monarch and other essential pollinators," said Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman. "With my experience as a farmer, I understand firsthand the critical role pollinators play in food production. I encourage our community to take action and help create spaces where these incredible creatures can thrive."
To celebrate this initiative, Red Mountain Library will host a Spring Equinox celebration at the Monarch Haven & Reading Sanctuary on Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to Noon. This free, family-friendly event will feature crafts, educational exhibits and opportunities to connect with Master Gardeners, city landscape experts, and other exhibitors to learn about citizen science projects, pollinator-friendly plants, and sustainable gardening practices.
Monarch butterfly populations have declined dramatically over the past two decades due to habitat loss, herbicide use, destruction of wintering sites and climate related disruptions to their migration. Known for their remarkable multi-generational journey across North America, monarchs symbolize resilience, hope, and interconnectedness of ecosystems.
Through the National Wildlife Federation's Mayors' Monarch Pledge, Mesa joins a growing network of cities, municipalities and tribal governments committed to restoring monarch habitat in parks, roadsides and backyard gardens throughout the community. One example is the Monarch Haven & Reading Sanctuary, a peaceful pollinator garden at Red Mountain Library completed in 2020 with support from a generous grant from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
Residents are encouraged to get involved and be part of the effort to support pollinators and protect these iconic butterflies. Find more event details here: https://events.mesalibrary.org/event/spring-equinox-monarch-garden-165376