The National Wildlife Federation

Community Profile

Pledge Status

Active

Pledge Date

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Program Year

2023

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Action Item Report

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City of Hillsboro, Oregon

Hillsboro, OR

Steve Callaway

Mayor

Pledge Summary

Among other related commitments, Hillsboro is a US Conference of Mayors' climate champion, Tree City USA, Bee City USA and partner in the Backyard Habitat Certification Program. The Hillsboro community has demonstrated its commitment to the conservation of nature and wildlife, including the Monarch butterfly. Nestled in the Tualatin Valley of western Oregon, Hillsboro is Oregon's 5th largest city with 108,000 community members. Known for its diverse community, strong local economy, and beautiful natural areas, for decades Hillsboro's leaders have placed an emphasis on environmental stewardship. Strong goals and actions guide stewardship efforts for both the city organization, which provides a full suite of municipal services, and for the greater community. Hillsboro prides itself as having one of the largest preserved natural areas within the community, the several-hundred acre Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve, along with myriad other natural areas, parks and environmental assets.

Community Spotlight

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 community garden groups and urge them to plant native milkweeds and nectar-producing plants.
  • 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.
  • Launch, expand, or continue an invasive species removal program that will support the re-establishment of native habitats for monarch butterflies and other pollinators.
  • Add or maintain native milkweed and nectar producing plants in community gardens.
  • Earn or maintain recognition for being a wildlife-friendly city by participating in other wildlife and habitat conservation efforts (i.e., National Wildlife Federation’s Community Wildlife Habitat program).
  • Plant or maintain a monarch and pollinator-friendly demonstration garden at City Hall or another prominent or culturally significant community location.
  • Facilitate or support a milkweed seed collection and propagation effort.
  • Host or support a native seed or plant sale, giveaway or swap.