The City of Phoenix is teaming up with local Girl Scouts on Saturday, September 28th, to plant native milkweed and pollinator-friendly plants at the Phoenix Police Department Crime Lab.
This initiative supports monarch butterfly conservation as part of the city’s commitment to creating a sustainable environment for these endangered insects.
Phoenix Joins Girl Scouts to Plant for Monarch Butterflies
On September 28th, Phoenix residents are invited to join Mayor Kate Gallego and Councilman Carlos Galindo-Elvira for a special planting event aimed at supporting the monarch butterfly population.
In partnership with local Girl Scouts, volunteers will help plant native milkweed and other pollinator plants, providing much-needed habitat for monarchs as they prepare for their long migrati
on.
The event will take place at the Phoenix Police Department Crime Lab, located at 621 W. Washington St., from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM.
This event is part of a larger effort, with Phoenix celebrating “Planting for Monarchs Month” each September.
Mayor Gallego’s commitment, through the National Wildlife Federation’s Mayor’s Monarch Pledge, highlights the city’s dedication to environmental conservation.
Why Monarch Butterflies Matter
The monarch butterfly population, particularly the western population, has faced a dramatic 99% decline since 1997. This is largely due to habitat loss, climate change, and widespread pesticide use.
Monarchs rely on native milkweed plants for their reproduction—female monarchs lay eggs exclusively on milkweed, and monarch caterpillars feed on the plant to grow and develop.
Without milkweed, monarch butterflies cannot complete their life cycle, making it crucial to plant these species to support their survival.
Phoenix’s efforts to plant native milkweed directly address this issue, offering a lifeline to the monarchs by restoring the habitat they so desperately need.
Event Details
Date and Time:
Saturday, September 28, 2024
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Location:
Phoenix Police Department Crime Lab,
621 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85003
Schedule:
8:00 AM – Remarks by Mayor Kate Gallego and Councilman Carlos Galindo-Elvira
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM – Planting event with local Girl Scouts and volunteers
Phoenix’s Ongoing Commitment to Monarch Conservation
In 2021, Mayor Kate Gallego signed the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge, a national initiative led by the National Wildlife Federation aimed at helping monarch butterflies and other pollinators thrive.
Since then, Phoenix has made significant strides in preserving monarch habitats by engaging the community in environmental stewardship.
Planting for Monarchs Month is an annual celebration each September, where the city ramps up efforts to plant milkweed and nectar plants, raising awareness about the importance of monarch conservation.
By involving groups like the Girl Scouts, the city is nurturing the next generation of environmental advocates.
How You Can Get Involved
Planting native milkweed and nectar plants in your yard or community garden is one of the best ways to support monarch butterflies. Here are some simple ways you can contribute:
1. Choose the Right Plants:
- Milkweed species: Arizona milkweed, desert milkweed, giant sand milkweed.
- Nectar plants: Mistflower, flattop buckwheat, Goodding verbena.
2. Attend Local Events:
Participate in planting events like the one happening on September 28th. You can also join programs like the Great Milkweed Grow Out, led by the Desert Botanical Garden, which focuses on propagating and planting native milkweed across the region.
3. Volunteer with Environmental Groups:
Organizations like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Desert Botanical Garden offer opportunities to get involved in conservation efforts, including habitat restoration and planting initiatives.
Final Thoughts on Monarch Conservation in Phoenix
Phoenix’s partnership with the local Girl Scouts to plant for monarch butterflies is just one example of the city’s ongoing commitment to protecting these iconic pollinators.
By coming together to plant native milkweed and nectar plants, residents can make a meaningful difference in the fight to save the monarch butterfly.
Join the community on September 28th, and be part of the solution.
Native Milkweed Varieties for Phoenix:
Milkweed Species |
Type |
Best Planting Time |
Growing Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Milkweed | Herbaceous perennial | Spring, Fall | Full sun, well-drained soil |
| Desert Milkweed | Shrub-like perennial | Spring, Fall | Drought-tolerant, full sun |
| Giant Sand Milkweed | Herbaceous perennial | Spring, Fall | Dry, sandy soils |
Please support monarch butterflies and pollinators In Phoenix by choosing the right plants and/or joining local conservation initiatives nearby.
