The county is aflutter for monarch butterflies, joining a nationwide movement to protect the majestic pollinators and promote native habitat restoration.
We have signed on to the National Wildlife Federation’s 2025 Mayor’s Monarch Pledge, reinforcing its commitment to a range of efforts that create pollinator-friendly public spaces. The nonprofit organization’s pledge program encourages city, tribal and county government leaders to promote targeted conservation practices that help wildlife and the local landscape thrive.
The commitment aligns with the county's ongoing efforts to support sound environmental policies and practices that conserve, establish and rehabilitate natural habitats, as outlined in the Countywide Strategic Plan.
Urgent Need to Protect the Monarch
Once abundant across North America, monarch populations have plummeted over the past 30 years. Researchers attribute this decline to habitat degradation, climate change, pesticide use, and loss of both breeding and wintering grounds.
To combat this challenge, the National Wildlife Federation launched the Mayor's Monarch Pledge in 2015 to engage cities, counties and communities in supporting monarch conservation through habitat restoration and awareness campaigns. Since its start, more than 600 mayors and heads of local governments have taken the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge.
While this is Fairfax County’s first year as a pledge signatory, we have already adopted several of the policies and practices in recent years that align that support the pledge’s goals. County agencies and Fairfax County Public Schools are engaged in numerous efforts that contribute to the survival of monarchs and other pollinators.
In signing onto the pledge, the county listed several of its proactive activities:
- No-mow zones. The Park Authority has expanded “no-mow” areas to encourage native meadow growth, creating healthier ecosystems for butterflies, bees, and other insects. Additionally, the county is converting old pastureland and turf areas into native meadow habitats. These actions directly benefit monarchs and other pollinators by providing much-needed breeding and feeding grounds.
- School engagement. The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, in collaboration with Fairfax County Public Schools, has helped install and maintain pollinator gardens at 31 schools, giving students hands-on experience with native planting. Five additional gardens are planned for 2025. This initiative also includes signage at these sites, helping to raise awareness about the importance of pollinators.
- Pollinator plantings on county property. Libraries, the Government Center and other county sites now feature pollinator gardens that include milkweed, a critical host plant for monarch caterpillars.
- Seed libraries. Our libraries host seed libraries that provide residents with access to free native plant seeds.
- Tree canopy improvements. As part of its participation in the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program, the county is working to strengthen tree cover and biodiversity across the region.
- Invasive species removal. A countywide invasive species removal program launched in 2023 is helping restore native ecosystems, promoting the regrowth of native plants that are vital to monarch conservation.
Residents Can Help Too
County residents can play an active role in the monarch butterfly comeback. The county’s pledge encourages residents, schools and businesses to join the movement and help native pollinators thrive. Here are some ways to take action:
- Grow native plants. Incorporate native flowers, shrubs and trees, especially milkweed, into your gardens or planters. Milkweed and nectar plants create the space needed for monarchs to breed and feed during their migration. The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District’s sponsors an annual low-cost sale for native trees and shrubs.
- Visit a seed library. Explore free seed libraries and plant swaps at Burke Centre Library, George Mason Regional Library, John Marshall Library, Martha Washington Library and Pohick Regional Library.
- Volunteer. Help remove invasive plants or assist in community habitat restoration projects through the Park Authority’s volunteer programs.
- Celebrate National Pollinator Month. June is National Pollinator Month, an ideal time to learn more about monarchs and other wildlife necessary for biodiversity. The Parks Authority pollinators page offers resources, activities and more that can be used in honor of the month’s celebrated species.
- Learn more. Attend workshops, guided nature walks and gardening events offered by the Park Authority and county libraries throughout the year.
By taking these small steps, residents can play a part in a much larger conservation efforts and ensure that future generations continue to see monarchs spread their wings through our region.
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