Summer of the Monarch
Glen Ellyn has earned the highest honor in the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge program, becoming a Monarch Champion. Out of 55 participating Illinois communities, Glen Ellyn was the only one in the state, and one of just eight nationwide. It’s a distinction that reflects both dedication and genuine community pride.
Spread Your Wings, Monarch Mural
𝐀 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐆𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐄𝐥𝐥𝐲𝐧.
As part of the 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡, The Alliance of Downtown Glen Ellyn commissioned talented artist Rose Fenske to create a Monarch Mural in the alley adjacent to The Bookstore of Glen Ellyn. We invite residents and visitors alike to stop by, enjoy the artwork, and celebrate a community where both people and pollinators can thrive.
Summer of the Monarch Special Events - Click image for more
The Great Butterfly Hunt
The Great Butterfly Hunt
The Great Butterfly Hunt
Download the printable map and set out to explore all of Glen Ellyn’s featured pollinator gardens. At each stop, look for the butterfly sign — every sign reveals a special letter that helps you solve the secret word!
Visit all locations, collect each letter, unscramble the word, and bring your answer to the library to claim your priz
Download the printable map and set out to explore all of Glen Ellyn’s featured pollinator gardens. At each stop, look for the butterfly sign — every sign reveals a special letter that helps you solve the secret word!
Visit all locations, collect each letter, unscramble the word, and bring your answer to the library to claim your prize.
Enjoy the adventure as you wander through beautiful, historic Downtown Glen Ellyn.
Self Guided Garden Tours
The Great Butterfly Hunt
The Great Butterfly Hunt
Explore the beauty of Glen Ellyn at your own pace with our Self‑Guided Pollinator Garden Tour. Wander through four charming garden stops each thoughtfully planted to support butterflies, bees, and native pollinators. Take your time, soak in the scenery, and let Glen Ellyn’s gardens tell their story.
Summer Send Off
Monarchs at Festival of the Arts
Monarch Bike Ride
Friday, August 14, 6-7:30pm
Glen Ellyn Park District
Lake Ellyn Park
Celebrate the end of summer vacation and beginning of the school year with sunflowers and s’mores. Enjoy golden hour by the ponds and prairies at Churchill Park, followed by fireside stories and songs. We will attempt to catch and tag any monarchs at the park prio
Friday, August 14, 6-7:30pm
Glen Ellyn Park District
Lake Ellyn Park
Celebrate the end of summer vacation and beginning of the school year with sunflowers and s’mores. Enjoy golden hour by the ponds and prairies at Churchill Park, followed by fireside stories and songs. We will attempt to catch and tag any monarchs at the park prior to their fall migration. Co-hosted by Go Green Glen Ellyn.
$2 with registration
Monarch Bike Ride
Monarchs at Festival of the Arts
Monarch Bike Ride
Friday, August 14, 6:00pm
Meet at Lake Ellyn
Join us for a relaxed Monarch Bike Ride as we pedal through Downtown Glen Ellyn, cruise along the Prairie Path, and explore some of our favorite pollinator‑friendly gardens in nearby residential neighborhoods. A beautiful way to celebrate monarchs, nature, and community.
All Ages
FREE
Monarchs at Festival of the Arts
Monarchs at Festival of the Arts
Monarchs & Margaritas: A Pollinator Walk
Saturday & Sunday
August 22-23
10am-5pm
Lake Ellyn
So many wonderful activities all weekend long. Enjoy Monarch Lifecycle Learning Stations and a
Monarch Storybook Path
11am & 1pm Guided Garden Walks @ Boathouse gardens
10am-2pm Live Butterfly Exhibits
2pm Butterfly Release
Monarchs & Margaritas: A Pollinator Walk
Monarchs & Margaritas: A Pollinator Walk
Monarchs & Margaritas: A Pollinator Walk
Thursday, August 27, 7-8:30pm
Ending at Common Good Cocktail House
$15 with Cocktail/Mocktail
Join us on a docent-led journey through Glen Ellyn’s newest pollinator gardens, ending with a Sip & Talk social hour at Common Good Cocktail House
Starting at the Montclair Lot. Docent-led 1.5 mile walk with discussions at each stop
Social Hour: $15 registration includes cocktail/mocktail
Seed Library
Monarchs & Margaritas: A Pollinator Walk
Seed Library
Early spring to late fall
Glen Ellyn Public Library
Plant a pollinator garden with the help from the library! The Seed Library is a place to donate and share plant seeds. Anyone can donate or take seeds for vegetables, fruits, and flowers from the collection for their own use. The Seed Library is located in the Adult department.
Free
The Mayors’ Monarch Pledge, led by the National Wildlife Federation, encourages towns to protect monarch butterflies by restoring habitat and educating residents about conservation. Glen Ellyn completed 26 of the 30 recommended actions, from planting monarch-friendly gardens to supporting native plant sales and promoting sustainable yard practices.
This recognition is the result of many hands working together. The Village of Glen Ellyn Environmental Commission for leading the charge, Go Green Glen Ellyn's collaboration, The Glen Ellyn Park District expanded their nature education, habitat restoration, and demonstration gardens. The Glen Ellyn Public Library launched a Seed Library to support local growing. The Village's Public Works team strengthened pollinator-friendly landscaping, updated ordinances to support milkweed, and encouraged sustainable yard care through the Conservation @ Home program. Additionally regional partners, garden clubs, school districts, and dedicated staff all contributed to this shared success.
Glen Ellyn’s Monarch Champion designation is a meaningful reminder of what a community can accomplish when it comes together to protect the natural world.
Our Partners
