North Hempstead was once again named a leader in the National Wildlife Federation’s Mayors’ Monarch Pledge program for completing eleven action items throughout 2025.
The Town has taken the National Wildlife Federation’s pledge every year since 2018, pursuing initiatives that help protect and conserve monarch butterflies and other local pollinator species.
“Every generation should be able to experience the beauty of a monarch butterfly and we’re doing our part to help these incredible creatures thrive,’ North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena said. I’m so proud of our sustainability team and the amazing work they do, not only to nurture this species, but to protect our natural resources throughout the Town.”
The Town’s monarch conservation actions throughout 2025 included:
- Issuing a proclamation to raise awareness about the decline of the monarch butterfly and the species’ need for habitat.
- Maintaining a strong public communication effort to encourage residents to plant monarch gardens at their homes or in their neighborhoods.
- Engaging with community garden groups and urging them to plant native milkweeds and nectar-producing plants.
- Engaging with gardening leaders and partners (e.g., Master Naturalists, Master Gardeners, Nature Centers, Native Plant Society Chapters, other long-standing and influential community leaders) to support monarch butterfly conservation.
- Hosting a native seedling giveaway.
- Facilitating a milkweed seed collection and propagation effort.
- Planting and maintaining a monarch and pollinator-friendly demonstration garden at prominent parks throughout North Hempstead.
- Initiating and supporting community science efforts that help monitor monarch migration and health.
- Adding and maintaining native milkweed and nectar-producing plants in gardens in the community.
- Continuing an invasive species removal program that supports the re-establishment of native habitat for monarch butterflies and other pollinators.
- Displaying educational signage at monarch gardens and pollinator habitat.
North Hempstead is a leader in Long Island’s conservation movement, having established a number of programs that work to preserve native habitats, purify local waterways, eliminate invasive species, and build thriving green spaces.
One of North Hempstead’s most beneficial sustainability initiatives has been the Native Plant Rebate Program, which offers residents a small grant to plant natives in their home landscapes. These gardens are vital in our collective campaign to conserve the monarch butterfly, as they provide food, shelter and nesting resources for monarchs and other pollinators.
Visit www.NorthHempsteadNY.gov/Sustainability to learn more about how you can help the monarch butterfly and other pollinators.
