Mayor Jabbour joins Monarch Pledge to support the declining monarch butterfly

Mayor Emily B. Jabbour today announced she has officially signed the Mayor's Monarch Pledge, committing the City of Hoboken to protecting monarch butterflies and supporting pollinator-friendly habitats throughout the city.

The pledge comes as Hoboken recognizes May 2 as National Start Seeing Monarchs Day, a nationwide observance that celebrates the seasonal return of monarch butterflies and raises awareness about their declining populations.

The eastern monarch butterfly has experienced a sharp 80 percent population decline since the 1990s, driven primarily by habitat loss and climate change. The disappearance of milkweed, the species' only breeding habitat, alongside a dwindling supply of nectar plants, has disrupted their extraordinary migration across North America. As vital pollinators, monarchs play are critical role in sustaining healthy ecosystems and supporting the biodiversity of our local environment.

"Protecting monarch butterflies is not just about preserving a beautiful species but also about strengthening the ecosystems we all depend on," said Mayor Jabbour. "Through collective action and community engagement, we can make a real difference, even in an urban environment like right here in Hoboken."

Residents are encouraged to take part by signing up for Hoboken's upcoming Spring Fling community clean-up event on May 16, during which volunteers will help plant habitat supporting plants such as milkweed as well as monarch food sources in parks and green spaces.

The last day to register for Spring Fling, by CLICKING HERE, is Saturday, May 2. The Spring Fling event offers an opportunity for community members of all ages to get involved, help support pollinator habitats, and contribute to a cleaner and greener, Hoboken.

For more information about the Mayor's Monarch Pledge and National Start Seeing Monarchs Day, go to https://monarchs.nwf.org/.