Milkweed, monarchs & more in downtown's pollinator gardens

Pollinator gardens in downtown Scranton help to support Monarch butterflies, an endangered species.

Did you know there are 5 pollinator gardens in the downtown Scranton business district?

If you see a Monarch butterfly the next time you visit downtown, it’s likely fluttering to or from a pollinator garden in the business district. “The gardens are all entirely different,” said Steve Ward, project director of the Safe, Clean, Green & Design programs at Scranton Tomorrow. “There may be some of the same plants but there’s a lot of variety in the downtown, and I think that’s why we’re attracting the pollinators.

They have a lot to choose from.”

That’s good news for this endangered species. Pollinator gardens include milkweed and nectar-rich flowers, all of which are essential to their survival.

Milkweed is the only plant monarch caterpillars can eat, and adult monarchs feed on nectar-rich flowers during migration.

In addition to attracting monarchs, the pollinator gardens also lend support to bees that are vital to our eco-system as they pollinate our food supply. Check out this video from Penn State Extension: Why Are Bees So Important? to learn more.

Where to Find Downtown Pollinator Gardens

Lackawanna County Gateway Center

135 Jefferson Ave.

Courthouse Square

(There are 2 gardens planted by Lackawanna County here!)

200 N. Washington Ave.

Christopher A. Doherty Park

Corner of Linden St. & Wyoming Ave.

The Good of the Hive mural by Matthew Willey

Scranton Civic Ballet Company (in the back)

 234 Mifflin Ave.

Ready to Plant a Pollinator Garden?

If you’re inspired to plant a pollinator garden as part of Scranton City Pride (May 26-June 6, 2026), we want to hear from you! Gather a few friends to volunteer for the planting, and we’ll help you design it. Email Steve Ward at steve@scrantontomorrow.org to get started.