Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley, Alabama has been named the first official Monarch City in the state. This announcement makes Foley part of a national movement that supports butterfly conservation and pollinator education. Monarch City USA made the designation official, recognizing Foley’s strong commitment to protecting local ecosystems and teaching residents about the importance of native species. The city is located in southern Baldwin County on Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

Monarch City USA is a nonprofit group based in Maple Valley, Washington. Its goal is to help monarch butterflies by encouraging cities to plant native milkweed and nectar plants. These plants are important for the butterflies’ survival and migration. The group gives the "Monarch City USA" title to towns that promise to support these efforts.

Foley, Alabama has been named the first official Monarch City in the state. This announcement makes Foley part of a national movement that supports butterfly conservation and pollinator education. Monarch City USA made the designation official, recognizing Foley’s strong commitment to protecting local ecosystems and teaching residents about the importance of native species.

Foley was named the seventh fastest-growing metro area in the U.S. in 2024. City leaders say they are working hard to grow responsibly while preserving the area’s natural beauty. One example is the city-owned Graham Creek Nature Preserve, a 650-acre property on Wolf Bay. The preserve is home to various rare habitats and offers hands-on programs for students and residents.

The preserve is adding a new butterfly conservatory to help raise native butterflies and their host plants. The goal is to educate the community and young students about the role of pollinators. Field trips, classes, and other programs will take place in the new space.

Foley will also work with the Alabama Cooperative Extension Program. The group will use the new conservatory and surrounding land to research native milkweed, a key food source for monarch caterpillars. Officials hope the research will help boost butterfly numbers.

Monarch City USA thanked Foley for joining the effort to protect these important insects. Before Foley joined, Alabama was one of 23 states without a Monarch City. Now that number has dropped to 22—a step forward for conservation