February 26, 2026
Pathways for Pollinators & People initiative brings habitat, educational opportunities, and monarch butterfly mural to Edmond.
BY STEFANIE LELAND
Monarch butterflies and other native pollinators are experiencing steep population declines driven by pesticide and herbicide use, habitat loss, and climate change. To help increase pollinator habitat in Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Monarch Society (OMS) is partnering with the city of Edmond to launch Pathways for Pollinators & People, an initiative that will engage both the city and residents in monarch conservation, education and art.
Edmond already supports pollinators through eight gardens totaling nearly 16,000 square feet of habitat and planting areas across its parks and public spaces, including Chitwood Park, Meadow Lakes Park, Westborough Park, Center Court, Centennial Park, Penick Park, Mitch Park, and the Edmond Welcome sign. These spaces provide food and shelter for butterflies, bees and other pollinating species.
“Partnering with the city of Edmond allows us to build on the community’s commitment to pollinator conservation while inspiring residents to take an active role in protecting these vital species,” said Katie Hawk, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Monarch Society.
“Pollinators play a critical role in putting food on our plates,..And the rapid decline of their populations is an alarming wake-up call,” Hawk added. “Through this initiative, we are creating opportunities for government agencies to take the lead in conservation while engaging residents in meaningful, hands-on activities.”
During this initiative, OMS will work with city staff to install pollinator gardens, implement educational programs, and spark creativity with a monarch butterfly mural.
“As a municipality, we are fortunate to have the resources and support to help promote pollinator habitat,” said Zach Paty, Parks Maintenance Supervisor for the City of Edmond. “Our maintenance staff is very intentional in their landscape operations to incorporate pollinator-friendly plants in developed areas, offering great habitat and opportunities for people to observe pollinators in action. Additionally, staff focus on maintaining undeveloped areas to ensure native plant species thrive, ranging from host plants like milkweed and fall nectar sources such as sunflowers to roosting locations in native mature trees. Efforts are made on all fronts to safeguard the health of our pollinator species.”
Through this partnership, Edmond will receive support to:
- Build high-quality pollinator gardens that provide food and shelter to declining populations of pollinators, including milkweed, the host plant for monarch butterflies.
- Provide educational signage to inform and engage the public about the design, purpose and benefits of the gardens.
- Offer educational programs and materials through OMS’s Okies for Monarchs program to teach residents about pollinators and habitat creation.
- Install a monarch butterfly mural designed by Oklahoma artist Rick Sinnett.
“This exciting partnership between the Oklahoma Monarch Society and city of Edmond allows us to create more than just a habitat; this will be an island of respite where wildlife can thrive, and our community can gather and learn,” said Amanda Thomas, Recreation Program/Event Coordinator for the city of Edmond. “We are thrilled to offer a space that combines environmental action with public art and education, and I am incredibly grateful to work with partners who share such a deep passion for pollinator support.”
Community members participating in monarch tagging event at Mitch Park in Edmond. Photo provided by the city of Edmond.
Why This Matters
Pollinators are essential to healthy ecosystems, biodiversity, and food systems. By supporting habitat creation and hands-on education in public spaces, Pathways for Pollinators & People aims to inspire leadership in conservation across Oklahoma.
Funding and Support
Funding for the initiative is provided by the Kirkpatrick Foundation and the Oklahoma Monarch Society.
