Mamaroneck Names Official Flower, And It Might Save The Butterflies

Update: The Mamaroneck Monarch Butterfly Festival has been rescheduled to Sunday, October 1, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

MAMARONECK, NY — The Village of Mamaroneck has named its official flower and the move promises to be more than just the answer to a Quizo question. The new flower has a chance to make life better for all of us and the village is going all out to celebrate.

Milkweed was recently named the official native flower of the Village of Mamaroneck. The vote came in just in time for the 2nd Annual Mamaroneck Monarch Butterfly Festival on Saturday. The fitting new official flower might help save a species. Milkweed leaves are the only food that Monarch caterpillars eat in order to become Monarch Butterflies. Monarch butterflies, which migrate through the region each year, are currently listed as an endangered species.

The Village of Mamaroneck's Committee for the Environment worked tirelessly last year to be named a leader in the National Wildlife Federation's Mayors' Monarch Pledge. The pledge, signed by Mayor Tom Murphy, encourages community engagement and education on how to help the endangered species.

The largest of these outreach events will take place at Pavillion Field at Harbor Island Park on Saturday Sunday, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Educational activities, arts & crafts, planting of a community garden, food trucks and some special family fun is planned.

Guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite pollinator and prizes will be awarded in a costume contest. Hundreds of free packets of native seeds will be available, according to organizers. The family-friendly event is free with an RSVP.

So far in 2023, the Committee for the Environment, along with the support of the Village trustees and Village Parks & Recreation Department, have already forged ahead with meaningful projects to support the pledge.

The efforts include the continued planting, weeding and upkeep of a 9,000-square-foot village-owned lot that was recently officially named as a park. The Rockland Pocket Preserve will house thousands of native plants, shrubs and trees along the Sheldrake River and will restore a healthy eco-system for wildlife. A ribbon-cutting will be held for the village's newest park on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 4:30 p.m.

A native butterfly garden was planted at the Sarah Neuman nursing home this past spring. The Committee for the Environment and staff at Sarah Neuman worked together on a perennial garden in the courtyard. Many Sarah Neuman residents cannot go off grounds, so the hard work involved paid off by bringing nature to them.

More native plants were installed at two of the village gardens, including Columbus Park (at the flagpole) and Harbor Island Park (at the Rock).

You don't need to be the mayor to pledge to make a difference. From planting milkweed in your garden to volunteering at one of the village's community gardens, a small effort can go a long way. To learn more, email your questions to cfte@vomny.org.