Mayors' Monarch Pledge 

What is the Pledge?

Through the National Wildlife Federation Mayors’ Monarch Pledge, U.S. cities, municipalities, and other communities are committing to create habitats for the monarch butterfly and pollinators, and to educate citizens about how they can make a difference at home and in their communities.

What is the Issue? 

The most well-recognized butterfly, the monarch, is facing rapidly decreasing populations, habitat loss, and near extinction.

Herbicides and pesticides used to target other unwanted pests and plants are killing off monarchs and their host plants (milkweeds). Herbicide use has caused a severe reduction in monarch habitats in the spring and summer months, when monarchs normally feed and breed in our area. Land clearing accelerates habitat loss, and climate change may also be a contributing factor. Residential properties make up the bulk of urban landscape in Williamson County, meaning community members can play a vital role in the recovery of the monarch species and its local habitats.

What can you do to help?

Plant native milkweed in your garden, yard, or neighborhood. Since monarch caterpillars rely solely on milkweed, it is critical for their survival.  Without this plant they cannot complete their lifecycle, and their populations will continue to decline.

We strongly suggest planting milkweed native to our region, which includes:

• Asclepias viridis (Green Milkweed)

• Asclepias speciosa (Showy Milkweed)

Note: Do not plant tropical milkweed, as it is not native to the U.S. and can create problems with monarch migration.

What is Brushy Creek MUD doing?

• Encouraging the community to plant monarch gardens at their homes and in their neighborhoods.

• Working to revise mowing programs on District property to encourage the development of monarch and pollinator habitats.

• Providing monarch-friendly demonstration gardens and relevant information at District Events. 

• Working to adopt less harmful pesticide practices.