SE Valley Times

Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman has signed the National Wildlife Federation’s Mayors' Monarch Pledge, reaffirming the city's commitment to creating habitats for monarch butterflies and other pollinators. This pledge aims to bolster efforts to establish environments for these species and educate residents on how they can contribute.

"By joining the Mayors Monarch Pledge, the City is demonstrating its dedication to create and improve habitats for the monarch and other essential pollinators," said Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman. "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 event at the Monarch Haven & Reading Sanctuary on Saturday, March 22, from 10 a.m. to noon. The free family-friendly event will include crafts, educational exhibits, and insights from Southwest Monarch Study, Desert Botanical Garden, Master Gardeners, and city landscape experts.

Mesa partners with Southwest Monarch Study, a nonprofit that researches monarch migration and breeding patterns in Arizona and the Southwest. Over the past 20 years, monarch butterfly populations have declined due to habitat loss, herbicide use, and climate change affecting their migration patterns. Known for their extensive multi-generational journey, monarchs symbolize hope, resilience, and interconnectedness. In December 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed adding them to the Endangered Species list.

Further event details are available at: https://events.mesalibrary.org/event/gardeninglandscaping-presentation-141547

Through the Monarch Pledge initiative, Mesa joins a growing network of cities committed to restoring habitats across parks, roadsides, medians, and backyard gardens throughout the community. The Monarch Haven & Reading Sanctuary at Red Mountain Library was completed in 2020 with support from a grant by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Residents are encouraged to participate in this movement aimed at preserving these iconic butterflies.