Wilmette EEC selects Mayors’ Monarch Pledge commitments for 2026

Chair Julie Wolf and Sustainability Coordinator Lucy Mellen led the commission through the list of possible Mayors’ Monarch Pledge commitments and commissioners selected multiple actions for 2026. The chosen items include issuing a proclamation to raise awareness (#1); engaging gardening leaders (#5); creating a community art project (#9); hosting or supporting a native seed/plant sale or swap (#10); planting or maintaining a demonstration garden at City Hall or a prominent site (#12); planting milkweed and native nectar plants along public rights‑of‑way (#14); adding native milkweed and nectar‑producing plants in gardens (#19); launching or expanding invasive species removal (#20); and displaying educational signage at monarch gardens (#22).

Chair Wolf noted this is the Village’s fifth year participating in the pledge and commissioners discussed how the selected actions would interact with existing programs such as the Green Homes Incentive and demonstration garden opportunities. Staff will incorporate the selected commitments into the Village’s pledge submission and follow up with implementation planning.