The National Wildlife Federation

Community Profile

Pledge Status

Active

Pledge Date

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Program Year

2023

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Action Item Report

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City of Norman

Norman, OK

Larry Heikkila

Mayor

Pledge Summary

Norman, the third largest city in Oklahoma, is a vibrant college town located just south of the state capitol. Dedicated to their environment, Normanites take part in many environmental and sustainability initiatives, including the Mayor's Monarch Pledge. We know how short life would be without our pollinating partners like the beautiful and inspiring monarchs.

Community Spotlight

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Monarch Eggs on Milkweed, Prairie Creek Park

Norman volunteer points out Monarch eggs on milkweed located in Prairie Creek Park.

Action Items Committed for 2023

Communications and Convening

  • Issue a Proclamation to raise awareness about the decline of the monarch butterfly and the species’ need for habitat.
  • Engage with Homeowners Associations (HOAs), Community Associations or neighborhood organizations to identify opportunities to plant monarch gardens and revise maintenance and mowing programs.
  • Launch or maintain a public communication effort to encourage residents to plant monarch gardens at their homes or in their neighborhoods. (If you have community members who speak a language other than English, we encourage you to also communicate in that language; Champion Pledges must communicate in that language.)

Program and Demonstration Gardens

  • Display educational signage at monarch gardens and pollinator habitat.
  • Host or support a monarch butterfly festival that is accessible to all residents in the community and promotes monarch and pollinator conservation, as well as cultural awareness and recognition.
  • Initiate or support community science (or citizen science) efforts that help monitor monarch migration and health.
  • Plant or maintain a monarch and pollinator-friendly demonstration garden at City Hall or another prominent or culturally significant community location.

Systems Change

  • Integrate monarch butterfly conservation into the city’s Park Master Plan, Sustainability Plan, Climate Resiliency Plan or other city plans.