Braintree Joins National Wildlife Foundation Pledge

BRAINTREE, MA — Braintree has committed to becoming a friendlier place for monarch butterflies and pollinators through a National Wildlife Foundation Pledge.

Mayor Erin Joyce announced in the town's summer newsletter that she signed onto the Mayor's Monarch Pledge for 2024, an initiative from the NWF that aims to create a better local habitat for the monarch butterfly and pollinators while also educating residents about how they can help protect the species.

According to the NWF, the monarch butterfly's eastern populations have declined by 90 percent while its western populations have declined by 99 percent in recent years.

Joyce said this is a step toward increasing the town's environmental stewardship footprint.

"We look forward to using this opportunity to sprinkle more color in our gardens while raising awareness for creating and building pollinator friendly habitats throughout our Town," Joyce said.

So what will this look like in Braintree?

Joyce said a demonstration garden will be planted and maintained at City Hall or another prominent Braintree location. Additionally, there are already pollinator gardens at the Braintree Golf Course.

A community art project is also in the planning stage, and officials hope to use it to enhance and promote conservation efforts and cultural awareness.

The local initiative was done with help from District 1 Councilor Julia Flaherty.