Mayor Barbara Foushee has signed the National Wildlife Federation’s Mayors’ Monarch Pledge, a step aimed at protecting the monarch butterfly, a species whose eastern populations have declined by 90% and western populations by 99% since the 1990s.
“I urge all residents of the community to do their part by planting milkweed, the exclusive food source for monarch larvae, so that every parcel of property in Carrboro may contribute to the survival of the monarch butterfly,” said Mayor Foushee.
The Town of Carrboro recognizes that human health ultimately depends on well-functioning ecosystems. Biodiverse regions can better support food production, healthy soil and air quality, and can foster healthy connections between humans and wildlife.
Actions to increase pollinator habitat throughout Carrboro include:
- Issuing a proclamation to raise awareness about the decline of the monarch butterfly and the species’ need for habitat.
- Launching a public communications effort to encourage Carrboro residents to plant native milkweed and nectar plants to provide habitat for monarchs and other pollinators.
- Hosting native seed giveaways.
- Expanding the Town's invasive species program.
- Displaying educational signage.
- Planting native milkweed on Town properties.
- Updating the Town Code to allow for native plant habitats and exploring changing ordinances related to pesticide and herbicide use.
Helpful Links:
Read the full proclamation: http://www.carrboronc.gov/2630/Proclamations-and-Resolutions
Find more information on the National Wildlife Foundation’s Monarch butterfly webpage: https://nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Invertebrates/Monarch-Butterfly
Visit the Town of Carrboro for more information on Pollinator Habitats: https://www.carrboronc.gov/986/Pollinator-Habitat
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