PLEDGE TO BE A MONARCH CHAMPION

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service just proposed listing the monarch butterfly as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. But whether monarchs receive these protections or not doesn’t change the fact that monarch populations have been steadily declining. We must act to prevent this beloved pollinator from being lost forever. 

Pledge to be a champion for monarchs to ensure we take all necessary measures to protect and recover this beloved butterfly.

As a monarch champion, I pledge to take one or more of the following actions:

• Call on Congress to pass the MONARCH Act, which focuses on the western population of butterflies in the U.S. It would establish a Western Monarch Butterfly Rescue Fund, and help implement the Western Monarch Butterfly Conservation Plan.
• Urge Congress to pass the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act – to provide resources for the recovery of all species of greatest conservation need. States and Tribes will get the resources they need to recover at-risk species like the monarch butterfly.
• Support the Pollinator-Friendly Labeling Program, which will inform consumers through improved labeling about plants that are native and free of harmful pesticides.
• Native grasslands provide critically important monarch habitat (including milkweed and nectar plants), yet native grasslands continue to disappear at an alarming rate. Sign in favor of the North American Grasslands Conservation Act, modeled after the popular and effective North American Wetland Conservation Act, which will support voluntary partnerships to conserve and restore native grasslands across the country.
• Be a monarch-friendly gardener: Monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on the leaves of milkweed, the only host plant for this iconic butterfly species. As such, milkweed is critical for the survival of monarchs. Without it, they cannot complete their life cycle and their populations decline. I’ll find out what milkweed is native to my area, and plant this host species to help monarchs thrive. I will also plant native nectar plants in my garden for adult monarchs.
• Eliminate or limit the use of pesticides and herbicides: These chemicals can be toxic to monarchs; instead, I’ll use natural methods of controlling weeds and pests in my yard and garden.
• Support local efforts for monarchs and other pollinators, like the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge.

After signing this pledge, you will receive an email with information to help you take these actions. Thank you for being a monarch champion!