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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING MAY AS MONARCH BUTTERFLY MONTH IN COOK COUNTY
WHEREAS, Cook County and Illinois play a vital role in the migration pattern of monarch butterflies; and
WHEREAS, the population of eastern monarch butterfly has drastically decreased over the last 20+ years which has greatly threatened the species and has potential for broader impacts; and
WHEREAS, over the past two decades the monarch butterfly population has decreased more than 80 percent; and,
WHEREAS, this decline mirrors similar population loss across the country for other pollinator species; and
WHEREAS, in the Midwest, the decline in monarch population is largely attributed to loss of up to 70% milkweed habitat since 1999; and
WHEREAS, animals and humans alike rely on the activities of pollinator species for survival of ecosystems that provide food and shelter to countless plants and animals; and
WHEREAS, government, individual, and organization leaders across Illinois have come together to address this important conservation issue; and
WHEREAS, organizations such as the Schaumburg Monarch Initiative, the Illinois Monarch Project, and Monarch Watch are vital to planting milkweed and rebuilding habitat; and
WHEREAS, the Schaumburg Monarch Initiative was founded by three local residents in the 15th District with a mission to inspire the local community to embrace and participate in the National Wildlife Federation's efforts to restore Monarch habitat throughout their Midwest breeding grounds including urban and suburban environments for the preservation of the endangered iconic Monarch butterfly; and
WHEREAS, in 2018, they worked with the Schaumburg Park District and a team of 60+ volunteers. Monarch rearing cages were built at the Spring Valley Nature Center and trained volunteers began raising monarchs from eggs; and
WHEREAS, in 2019, over 6,000 people attended Schaumburg Monarch Initiative events, and the organization was honored with a Go...
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