Native Plants, Local Action
Join Us in Restoring Monarch Habitats
The Village of Marvin & Habitat Builders are proud to participate in the National Wildlife Federation’s Mayors’ Monarch Pledge, a nationwide initiative that empowers local governments to take meaningful action to support monarch butterflies and other native pollinators.
Through this pledge, Marvin joins hundreds of municipalities working to reverse the decline of monarch populations by restoring habitat, educating the public, and engaging residents, schools, and community partners in conservation efforts.
Help Spread the Word about the Marvin Mayor’s Monarch Pledge!
Show your support for monarch and pollinator conservation by stopping by Marvin Village Hall during business hours or during a Council/Board meeting to pick up a commemorative sticker!
The Marvin Mayor’s Monarch Pledge logo was designed by Poulami Das, former Planning Technician & Deputy Clerk.
What Is the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge?
The Mayors’ Monarch Pledge, led by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), is a voluntary commitment by mayors and local leaders to take specific, measurable actions that support monarch butterfly conservation. Monarch populations have declined significantly in recent decades due to habitat loss, reduced availability of native milkweed, pesticide use, and climate-related impacts.
Local action plays a critical role in monarch recovery. By creating habitat on public land, encouraging native planting in neighborhoods, and increasing community awareness, municipalities can help rebuild the network of pollinator-friendly spaces monarchs need to survive and migrate.
Marvin’s Commitment
On December 9, 2025, Mayor Joseph M. Barbara issued an official proclamation affirming Marvin’s participation in the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge. Through this commitment, the Village of Marvin pledges to:
- Support monarch butterfly and pollinator conservation through municipal leadership and community partnerships.
- Increase habitat for monarchs by promoting native milkweed and nectar plants.
- Educate residents, schools, and organizations about the importance of pollinators.
- Encourage residents, homeowners’ associations (HOAs), and local groups to participate in habitat-building efforts.
- Read the Marvin Mayor’s Monarch Pledge Proclamation
Why Monarchs Matter
Did you know? The Latin name for Monarch Butterflies is "danaus plexippus," which means "sleepy transformation." Monarch butterflies are iconic pollinators and an important indicator of ecosystem health. Their dramatic population decline over the last several decades highlights broader environmental challenges affecting pollinators nationwide. Protecting monarchs helps:
- Support pollination of native plants and food crops.
- Improve biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
- Create healthier, more sustainable landscapes for people and wildlife.
Small, local actions—such as planting milkweed, reducing invasive species, and creating pollinator-friendly gardens—can collectively make a significant impact.
Program Goals
The Village of Marvin’s participation in the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge is guided by the following goals:
- Raise awareness of Marvin’s participation in the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge.
- Educate the public on the importance of monarchs and pollinator conservation.
- Engage residents, HOAs, schools, and community partners in habitat-building activities.
- Demonstrate Marvin’s environmental leadership and commitment to community involvement.
Education & Partnerships
- Collaboration with Marvin Elementary School to incorporate monarch and pollinator education into school activities. The nature of this program is to be determned.
- Partnership with Habitat Builders, the local chapter of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, to cross-promote the pledge through garden cleanups, invasive plant removal events, and community education.
- Development of educational and branded signage, including QR codes, for use in demonstration gardens, HOAs, and resident gardens.
Demonstration Gardens & Habitat Projects
- Village Hall Park Demonstration Garden: A pollinator-friendly garden installation planned for late winter/early spring, featuring native plants and educational signage explaining their value to monarchs and pollinators.
- HOA Demonstration Gardens: HOA-led garden projects, including a demonstration garden at Wyndham Hall, with technical guidance and educational support.
- Ongoing cultivation of pollinator plants and plugs to support future installations.
- Residents and HOAs will also receive information on recommended native plant sources and pollinator garden kits to support home and neighborhood participation.
Get Involved
Monarch conservation is a community-wide effort. Residents can support the pledge by:
- Planting native milkweed and nectar plants at home.
- Supporting monarch-friendly landscaping in HOA common areas.
- Volunteering at community cleanups and habitat projects.
- Learning about monarchs and sharing information with neighbors and friends.
Together, we can create a network of pollinator-friendly spaces that supports monarch butterflies and strengthens Marvin’s natural environment.