Submitted By
Marcella Bondie Keenan, Chief Sustainability Officer
Reviewed By
A.M. Zayyad, Deputy Village Manager
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Motion to Participate in the National Wildlife Federation's Mayors' Monarch Pledge Program
End
Overview
Overview
A motion to approve the Village's participation in the National Wildlife Federation's Mayors' Monarch Pledge Program.
End
Recommendation
Recommendation
Adopt the Motion.
Background
The National Wildlife Federation's Mayors' Monarch Pledge Program was launched in 2015 to engage cities and communities in monarch and pollinator conservation. Between 2015 and 2020, the program welcomed over 600 mayors and heads of local and tribal government who engaged 6 million people and restored more than 6,500 acres of monarch habitat. Since the monarch's migration spans the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the pledge expanded to these countries through new tri-national partnerships in 2017.
There are three steps to taking and implementing the pledge:
1. Take the pledge and specify at least 3 action items that Oak Park will initiate during 2023. See the attached list of example action items.
2. Take action. The National Wildlife Foundation, the sponsoring organization, will provide sample communications materials.
3. Report progress and submit an annual report by 12/1.
The Village of Oak Park first participated in this annual pledge in 2017, issuing a proclamation and planting monarch habitats on public properties. In 2021, the Village installed a certified Monarch Waystation at the Public Works Center. In 2022, the Village adopted Climate Ready Oak Park, which includes the goal "Protect and Enhance Biodiversity."
The deadline for submitting a pledge is April 30, 2023.
Fiscal Impact
No fiscal impact is associated with the pledge. Associated activities have already been budgeted and/or will be reviewed through the Village's procurement process.
DEI Impact
The interrelated issues of climate change and biodive...
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