Mayor Bell has officially signed the Monarch Conservation Pledge, marking an important step in Coburg’s commitment to protecting monarch butterflies and other essential pollinators. By signing the pledge, the City joins a growing regional and national effort to restore habitat, support biodiversity, and ensure that future generations can continue to experience the monarch’s remarkable migration. To view more about Coburg's efforts, visit Coburg, OR Community Profile - Mayors' Monarch Pledge.
Monarch populations have declined significantly over the past two decades, largely due to habitat loss, changes in land use, and the reduction of native milkweed and nectar plants. The pledge represents Coburg’s promise to take meaningful action—through habitat restoration, pollinator‑friendly landscaping, and community education—and it also serves as an invitation for residents to participate in conservation efforts.
Coburg has a set 10 commitments that will guide its work to support monarchs and other pollinators in parks, rights‑of‑way, and public spaces. These actions include additional pollinator plantings in parks, wetland and other public lands, educational signage about the plantings and their ecological benefits, collaboration with community partners on expanded pollinator plantings on other properties and a general continued commitment to highlight and promote the importance of ensuring habitat development and care for more than its visual or aesthetic value in Coburg.
Community members also play a vital role in helping monarchs thrive. One of the most effective actions residents can take is planting native milkweed and nectar‑rich flowers, which provide essential food sources for monarch caterpillars and adults throughout the growing season. Even small spaces—such as balconies, front yards, or shared community areas—can become valuable habitat when planted with native species.
Choosing plants that are native to our region is especially important, as they are better adapted to local conditions and provide the right resources for monarchs, birds, and other wildlife. Some great options for our region include asters, larkspur, goldenrod, coneflowers, blue blossom, sunflowers, and more. For a full list of nectar-producing plants, visit NW Monarch Plant List.
Creating and caring for pollinator habitat can be as simple as reducing pesticide use, leaving some leaf litter or stems over winter to support overwintering insects, or converting a portion of lawn into a pollinator garden. Staying informed and sharing knowledge is another powerful way to contribute. As Coburg moves forward with the Monarch Conservation Pledge, we encourage community involvement, because every action—large or small—helps support a healthier environment for monarchs and other pollinators.