odell-signs-mayors-monarch-pledge-joining-the-ladybug-foundation-s-passion-protecting-monarch-butterflies
Mayors across the country are taking action to help save the monarch butterfly.
The iconic species has declined in eastern populations by as much as 90 percent and western populations by 99% during the recent years.
Rochester Mayor Trent Odell recently signed The National Wildlife Federation’s Mayors’ Monarch Pledge. The commitment aims for mayors to encourage both restoring habitat within the community, and encouraging residents to do the same.
Last Friday, partnering with Ladybug Foundation Founder Lindsay Barts, Mayor Odell read a book about monarchs to preschoolers at Columbia Elementary School to help inspire community interest in the pledge.
Around 50 students listened to the program on monarchs, and how community members in Fulton County could do their part in keeping them safe.
Play Audio
Kim Landis was also there helping Barts teach the students about the monarchs. Landis demonstrated to students how they, with the help of a parent, could make their own pesticides.
One group of insecticides that has raised concerns over the years in particular is neonicotinoids. It's commonly used on farms, businesses, homes and landscapes.
While a minimal threat to humans and mammals these particular insecticides are extremely toxic to arthropods. The accesibility and variety of application methods make neonicotinoids popular for use in pest control.
Pollinators, including the monarchs, as well as other insects exposed to neonictinoids face lethal or sublethal effects.
Play Audio
Barts plans on continuing her spread of awareness on saving the monarchs through The Ladybug Foundation, with hopes of gaining more community support in the future.
Indiana wrapping up recounts in three legislative races
New traffic pattern to impact State Road 63 in Vermillion County
Illinois man arrested after chase through Vermillion, Parke counties
Garth Brooks announces The Blame It All On My Roots Tour kicking off at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Art and photo contest open for DNR hard card licenses
IFB: Summer cookout costs decrease for Indiana shoppers, lower than U.S. average
$22 million Fourth of July water roller coaster coming to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari
ISDA Launches IMAGE Cost-Share Program for southwest Indiana producers
July 4th: Red Cross offers safety tips for a harmless holiday
Full steam ahead: Indiana State Fair to debut new Family Train Ride in 2026
Governor Braun highlights America 250 Celebrations, encourages communities to participate with sSpecial grant program
Arts grant to support Parke Players’ summer musical, Ritz Theater
Missing teen Peyton Fulk found in Florida
Vermillion County Commissioners ready to look at solar overhaul
Know your fireworks laws, safety this holiday season
Two Parke County road closures today
