In recent years, monarch butterfly populations have plummeted at an alarming rate. Less than one percent of the western monarch population remains, while the eastern population has fallen by as much as ninety percent. This decline threatens to deprive future generations of the wonder and beauty of the monarch, including its fascinating metamorphosis and 3,000 mile migration to Mexico.

The National Wildlife Federation developed the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge program and oversees its implementation in partnership with the David Suzuki Foundation (Canada) and Profauna AC (Mexico) in an effort to combat the species’ declining population. Through this program, mayors and other local and tribal government chief executives take action by signing a pledge to create habitat for the monarch butterfly and pollinators and educate residents about how they can make a difference at home and in their community.