Monarch member SPOTLIGHT: Highland Township, MI

Highland Township, Michigan took a major step in its ongoing commitment to monarch butterfly conservation by signing ‘The Mayor’s Monarch Pledge’ earlier this year! Township Supervisor Rick Hamill stated, “By signing the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge, Highland is committing to continue our practical efforts that support pollinators, preserve natural spaces, and make our community healthier for future generations.”

This community has been involved in helping the monarch through its work on the Monarch Mile since 2018.  Hamill shared that residents are encouraged to plant milkweed and native wildflowers. They also gathered seed that was spread throughout the Milkweed Mile median. Another part of their work has been to remove invasive plants from Hickory Ridge Pines Park. Hamill said their efforts have been ‘about educating the public and strengthening environmental stewardship in Highland.’

Highland also has a yearly Monarch Festival each August at the Highland Farmers Market and was the first community in Michigan to be awarded the Monarch City Designation in 2018. 

 Congratulations, Highland Township and keep up the great work!  

(information taken from the Oakland County Times 3/24/26)