Since 2016, the City of St. Peters has taken action to help save the monarch butterfly, an iconic species whose populations have declined by over 90% in recent years.

Through the National Wildlife Federation's Mayors' Monarch Pledge, St. Peters is committed to creating habitats for pollinators including the monarch butterfly and educating residents about how they can make a difference in our community.

Action Items Committed

Communications and Convening

• Issue a Proclamation to raise awareness about the decline of the monarch butterfly and the species’ need for habitat.
• Engage with city parks and recreation, public works, sustainability, and other relevant staff to identify opportunities to revise and maintain mowing programs and milkweed / native nectar plant planting programs.
• Engage with community garden groups and urge them to plant native milkweeds and nectar-producing plants.

Program and Demonstration Gardens

• Plant milkweed and pollinator-friendly native nectar plants in medians and public rights-of-way.
• Plant or maintain a monarch and pollinator-friendly demonstration garden at City Hall or another prominent or culturally significant community location.

Systems Change

• Direct city property managers to consider the use of native milkweed and nectar plants at city properties where possible.

Habitat Locations

The City currently has four areas where monarch butterfly habitats are restored and active:

1. Jack Gettemeyer Park (11.8 acres)
2. 370 Lakeside Park (4.2 acres)
3. Kimberly Community Garden (160 sq. ft. / .004 acres)
4. Oak Creek Community Garden (170 sq. ft. / .004 acres)