by Marina Kiriakou -
On a sparkling September Saturday afternoon, Harbor Island Park in the Village of Mamaroneck transformed into a vibrant hub of environmental action as some 2,400 residents gathered for the third annual Monarch Festival. First held in 2022, the festival, brainchild of former Committee for the Environment (CFTE) board member Mandy Forlenza Sticos, has quickly grown into one of the community’s most beloved events.
More than just a family-friendly gathering with face painting, art projects, and local treats, the Monarch Festival offers residents a unique opportunity to explore how various groups are working to improve the local environment. Attendees connected with environmental organizations, learned about local programs like recycling initiatives and wildlife conservation, and discovered how they, too, can get involved.
Throughout the day, festivalgoers received native plant seeds to help foster butterfly-friendly gardens and gathered information on sustainable practices, such as composting. They visited booths like that of Westchester Land Trust’s Pollinator Pop-up where they could handle bird nests, giant mushrooms, and pinecones, and learn about butterflies and local wildlife. An event highlight was an educational trail that traced the monarch butterfly’s migration from start to finish, offering a vivid reminder of the species' fragile journey.
At its core, the Monarch Festival highlights the alarming decline of the monarch butterfly population due to pesticides, pollution, and the destruction of native plants. The monarch population has seen a 90% drop in the East and a 99% decline in the West. One of the most notable achievements of the CFTE and the Village of Mamaroneck is their recognition as a Monarch Champion City by the National Wildlife Federation. By fulfilling at least 14 key actions through the Mayors' Monarch Pledge, the village has taken extraordinary steps to protect the monarch butterfly and support local biodiversity, including creating monarch habitats and raising awareness about the species' fragile journey.
But the festival is also a broader call to action for environmental stewardship. The CFTE has long been a leader in promoting sustainable practices in Mamaroneck. Founded in April 2002 by the Village of Mamaroneck’s Board of Trustees, the Committee for the Environment is a volunteer-driven group that advises the village on protecting natural resources and improving environmental health. Comprised of 11 volunteers serving three-year terms, the CFTE has worked tirelessly to raise awareness and promote sustainable practices within the community. Their efforts focus on reducing waste, increasing recycling, cutting back on pollution, and advocating for eco-friendly programs, all aimed at enhancing the quality of life in our unique waterfront village.
A standout addition to this year’s festival was the presence of Mamaroneck High School’s OCRA (Original Civic Research and Action) program, a 4-year civic activism initiative. Students ran two booths—one on lawn mulching and eco-friendly mowing techniques, and another on composting. The booths drew eager festivalgoers, providing practical tips and encouraging the community to adopt sustainable practices in their everyday lives. The students’ dedication showcased how young activists are stepping up to support the village’s environmental goals and educate the public.
As visitors strolled through the festival, they experienced firsthand how many village committees and organizations are working in concert to protect the local environment. Seventy-five high school volunteers helped facilitate the activities, and booths from organizations like the STEM Alliance, Sustainable Westchester, and the Audubon Society showcased opportunities for residents to get involved.
Perhaps one of the festival's most touching moments came from a new resident of Mamaroneck, who remarked, “This is one of the most inspiring community events I’ve ever been to.” Her words captured the essence of the Monarch Festival—a gathering where people of all ages and backgrounds unite in a shared appreciation for nature and a common goal of preserving its wonders for future generations.
If you missed this year’s Monarch Festival, be sure to mark your calendars for next September. The event has become a symbol of what’s possible when a community comes together in the name of environmental stewardship.
For those looking to contribute, the CFTE is always seeking volunteers, offering an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enhancing the quality of life in Mamaroneck. For more information or to get involved, reach out to the Committee for the Environment at CFTE@vomny.org.
