Foley, Alabama has officially become the state’s first Monarch City USA, joining a growing network of communities across the country committed to restoring habitats and raising awareness about the declining monarch butterfly population.
The recognition, granted by the nonprofit Monarch City USA, is part of a national campaign that encourages cities to actively participate in pollinator protection through sustainable gardening, community education, and butterfly habitat creation.
Foley’s new title not only shines a spotlight on local conservation efforts but also reinforces its position as a leader in environmental responsibility in the southeastern United States.
What Does It Mean to Be a Monarch City?
Being designated as a Monarch City means the local government has made a public commitment to support monarch butterfly conservation through specific actions. These include planting native milkweed and nectar plants, educating residents and schools, and reducing pesticide use in public spaces.
The designation was made official at a city council meeting, where Mayor Ralph Hellmich expressed pride in the achievement.
“Foley is proud to be the first city in Alabama to take this important step. We are committed to protecting our environment and educating future generations about biodiversity and sustainability.”
Learn more about the program at Monarch City USA.
Why Monarch Butterflies Matter
The monarch butterfly, known for its vivid orange-and-black wings, is more than just a beautiful insect. It plays a crucial role in pollination and serves as an indicator species, meaning its presence or absence reveals the health of an ecosystem.
Unfortunately, the monarch population has been in steep decline due to habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide use. Over the last two decades, the species has lost more than 90% of its population. This troubling statistic has spurred a nationwide response, including initiatives from schools, cities, and environmental groups.
Foley’s participation is a small but vital piece of that puzzle.
Read about declining monarch populations on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Foley’s Community-Wide Approach
Foley’s success in securing this designation is largely thanks to its community involvement and strategic planning. In recent years, the city has partnered with local schools, garden clubs, and environmental organizations to launch butterfly-friendly gardens across parks and public buildings.
Key contributors include:
- Foley Garden Club
- Baldwin County Master Gardeners
- South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce
Local parks like Heritage Park and Graham Creek Nature Preserve now feature native milkweed patches and interpretive signs educating visitors about the butterfly’s life cycle and migration.
Schoolchildren are also getting involved. Elementary classes have begun planting milkweed and tracking butterfly growth, creating a hands-on science learning experience.
“This isn’t just about butterflies. It’s about engaging people with nature and learning the importance of balance in our ecosystem,” said Donna Dickey, a teacher at Foley Elementary School.
A Boost for Eco-Tourism
Foley’s new status could also bring economic benefits, particularly in the form of eco-tourism. Monarch butterflies have a loyal fan base among nature lovers and photographers. Each fall and spring, the butterflies pass through Alabama on their migration route between Canada and Mexico.
With new butterfly gardens and signage in place, Foley hopes to draw more tourists and raise environmental awareness.
“People travel to see monarch migrations. We’re positioning Foley as a stop on that journey,” said Melanie King, director of Foley’s tourism office.
Discover travel opportunities on the Visit Foley website.
The Bigger Picture: A Regional and National Trend
Foley is now part of a broader movement. Across the United States, more than 200 cities have signed on as Monarch Cities, including Santa Fe, NM, Branson, MO, and Franklin, TN.
These cities work together to share best practices, host Monarch Festivals, and support federal conservation goals like those set by the Monarch Joint Venture and the Pollinator Partnership.
This collective effort aligns with national strategies like the Monarch Conservation Implementation Plan, which aims to restore over 1.3 billion milkweed stems by 2038.
Learn more about regional conservation strategies from the Monarch Joint Venture.
Next Steps for Foley
Now that Foley holds the title, city leaders plan to expand butterfly-friendly areas, launch workshops on pollinator gardening, and include monarch-themed events in city festivals.
Future plans include:
- A “Butterfly Trail” connecting parks and schools
- An annual Monarch Festival
- Workshops for residents on planting pollinator gardens
Foley residents can also pick up free milkweed seeds at City Hall starting this summer, encouraging them to participate in backyard conservation.
How Residents Can Get Involved
Residents can support the cause in several easy ways:
- Plant native milkweed and nectar flowers like goldenrod and coneflowers
- Avoid using pesticides and herbicides
- Create “no-mow” zones for caterpillars
- Spread the word by posting photos of monarchs on social media with #MonarchCityFoley
The city is also launching a webpage where locals can register their butterfly gardens and receive certification as “Pollinator-Friendly Homes.”
Visit the city’s official page at City of Foley.
Conclusion: A Small Insect, A Big Impact
Foley’s Monarch City designation is more than just a title — it’s a commitment to a better future. Through local effort and national cooperation, this Alabama town is proving that small steps lead to big environmental change.
As monarch butterflies begin to find a safe haven in Foley, the community stands as a bright example of how cities can make a real difference—one milkweed plant at a time.
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