The National Wildlife Federation

Community Profile

Pledge Status

Active

Pledge Date

Friday, December 9, 2022

Program Year

2023

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Action Item Report

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City of Pharr

Pharr, TX

Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez

Mayor

Pledge Summary

The City of Pharr is located in the Rio Grande Valley, which is an extremely important section of the migratory flyway for the monarch butterfly during its flight to South America. Unfortunately, much of the natural long-standing habitat that supports the monarch butterfly, other pollinators, and even more wildlife has largely been disrupted with human development and agricultural fields. Local government officials have made efforts to begin protecting existing habitat and restoration efforts through its Keep Pharr Beautiful board, its Tree City USA status, and re-taking of the Mayor's Monarch Pledge year after year. Through proclamations like the Mayor's Monarch Pledge, Pharr continues to make the commitment to educating the general public about the importance of pollinators and the habitat that supports them.

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.
  • Launch, expand, or continue an invasive species removal program that will support the re-establishment of native habitats for monarch butterflies and other pollinators.
  • 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.