The City of Chamblee has been named “Monarch Champion” by the National Wildlife Federation’s Mayors’ Monarch Pledge program, an initiative that recognizes conservation work in support of the declining monarch butterfly population.
The Monarch Champion designation is awarded to American cities whose mayors adopt at least 24 of the 30 conservation actions recommended through the pledge.
Since joining the initiative in 2021, Chamblee has managed to create 10 acres of monarch butterfly habitat and engaged with more than 2,900 residents through the program, according to a press release.Â
2025, in particular, was a significant year for the Chamblee’s conservation efforts, highlighted by the discovery of monarch caterpillars on city property for the first time ever, according to Chamblee officials.
“The National Wildlife Federation is thrilled to award Chamblee with Monarch Champion status for 2025,” said Sydney Dooley, community habitat manager for the National Wildlife Federation. “This year alone, Chamblee worked with community garden groups to plant native species, converted a two-acre vacant lot into monarch habitat and distributed 250 milkweed plants to residents.”
Additional efforts by the city (through its Public Works Department) include the installation of bilingual educational displays at city events and schools, replacing non-native landscaping at development sites with native plants, advancing a monarch-themed public art project in collaboration with Spanish-speaking communities, managing pre-existing butterfly gardens and habitats, as well as expanding partnerships to better reach underserved residents.
“Through new partnerships, bilingual education and native plant restoration, 2025 showed what a community can achieve — culminating in the joy of finding monarch caterpillars flourishing on city land for the first time,” said Lori Conway, Public Works Grounds & Greenspace Manager, who serves as the staff point of contact on the Monarch Pledge program.
The City of Chamblee said that it will continue to focus its attention on habitat restoration, community education and engagement.
Residents are encouraged by the city to plant native milkweed and nectar plants as a way of providing suitable habitats for monarchs and other pollinators across the area.
“This recognition as a Monarch Champion reflects the commitment of our entire community,” said Chamblee Mayor Brian Mock. “When we support pollinators, we support our parks, our neighborhoods and the natural beauty that makes Chamblee special.”