As monarch butterflies continue to make their annual spring migration from Mexico to the north this month, Richardson is a great place to spot the orange-winged beauties, as it participates in the National Wildlife Federation’s Mayor’s Monarch Pledge to help save the iconic species. Through the Pledge, U.S. cities, municipalities and other communities commit to create habitat for the monarch butterfly and other pollinators, and to educate residents about how they can make a difference at home. Since participation in the program began in 2015, the Parks and Recreation Department has been planting butterfly-friendly native plants in all new parks. Luckily, Parks staff report that the plants have fared well after February’s harsh weather conditions.
Currently, the City has dedicated butterfly gardens in five parks: Durham, Collins, Berkner, Yale and Prairie Creek, as well as butterfly-friendly plants in the landscaping of CityLine Park and Fox Creek Park.
To find out more about the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge as well as information on the best plants for a home butterfly garden, click here.
