By Lisa Borowsky | Mayor of Scottsdale
As mayor of Scottsdale, I am delighted to express my full support for our city’s commitment to the pledge to save the Monarch Butterfly.
This initiative reflects our community’s deep respect for nature and our dedication to preserving our beautiful Sonoran Desert ecosystem.
The Monarch Butterfly, with its iconic orange and black wings, is not only a stunning symbol of nature’s beauty but also a crucial pollinator that plays a vital role in our environment.
The decline in the Monarch Butterfly population is a serious concern. Factors such as habitat loss and pesticide use have contributed to this alarming trend. It is our responsibility to take action and create a more hospitable environment for these magnificent creatures.
By signing this pledge, Scottsdale is joining a national movement to protect and restore Monarch Butterfly habitats.
Our city’s commitment involves several key actions.
We will work to increase the availability of native milkweed, the only plant on which Monarchs lay their eggs and the sole food source for their caterpillars. We will also encourage residents, businesses, and schools to plant nectar-rich flowers that provide essential food for adult butterflies. These efforts will not only support the Monarch Butterfly population but also enhance the overall health of our local ecosystem.
Our city has several butterfly gardens in our public parks and facilities including Scottsdale Ranch Park, Rotary Park, Pima Park, Paiute Park, Granite Reef Senior Center, according to Nick Molinari, senior director, parks & recreation and preserve.
He also tells me our staff is working to develop areas for monarch-friendly habitats in many of our rights-of-way.
Also, our leaders at the Scottsdale Parks and Recreation Department created our latest butterfly garden at Pima Park two years ago and, about the same time, partnered with a Scottsdale Leadership group to develop another monarch-friendly space along a right-of-way.
In addition, last year a volunteer group planted a number of new plants at Agua Linda Park that are designed to attract butterflies.
We consistently evaluate plant material in public medians and regularly install plant material that is monarch-friendly.
Education plays a key role in helping to save Monarch Butterfly species
Education and awareness are crucial components of this initiative. We will launch campaigns to inform the public about the Monarch Butterfly’s plight and provide practical tips on how individuals can contribute to its conservation. We will also collaborate with local organizations and experts to implement best practices for habitat restoration and management.
Protecting the Monarch Butterfly is not just about saving a single species; it is about safeguarding the intricate web of life that sustains our planet. By taking action to protect pollinators, we are ensuring the health of our environment, the productivity of our agriculture, and the beauty of our natural world. We are also teaching future generations the importance of environmental stewardship.
Scottsdale is a city that values its natural heritage. Our desert landscape is a unique and precious resource, and we are committed to preserving it for generations to come. The Monarch Butterfly is an integral part of this heritage, and we are determined to do everything in our power to ensure its survival.
I urge all Scottsdale residents to join us in this important endeavor. Whether it is planting milkweed in your garden, supporting local conservation efforts, or simply spreading the word about the Monarch Butterfly’s plight, every action counts. Together, we can make a real difference and ensure that these beautiful butterflies continue to grace our skies for years to come.
This pledge is a testament to our community’s collective commitment to environmental sustainability. It is a reminder that we are all interconnected and that our actions have a profound impact on the world around us. I am proud to stand with the citizens of Scottsdale in this effort, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact we can achieve together.
I reaffirm Scottsdale’s unwavering dedication to protecting the Monarch Butterfly and our natural environment. We are committed to creating a thriving habitat for these remarkable creatures and to fostering a culture of conservation in our community. Let us work together to ensure a bright future for the Monarch Butterfly and for all the living beings that share our beautiful city.
Editor’s Note: Lisa Borowsky is mayor of Scottsdale
