Adler pledges to save Monarchs

Mayor Steve Adler took the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge this week in support of the National Wildlife Federation’s effort to cultivate supportive habitats for Monarch butterflies. According to an announcement from the city, Adler is the first to join the new campaign, which is working with local governments around the country to stem a 90 percent decline in the Monarch population over the last two decades. Participating mayors will commit to at least three of 25 different actions that will help Monarchs. Adler has committed to 16, including the cultivation of native milkweed plants – an important Monarch food source – in open spaces and on city-owned properties around the city. “This is an effort to continue Austin’s legacy as the No. 1 city for wildlife,” said Adler, referring to a recent honor conferred by the NWF.