Milkweed, monarchs & more in downtown's pollinator gardens

Pollinator gardens in downtown Scranton help to support Monarch butterflies, an endangered species. Photo by Steve Ward.

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.

According to the USDA, "Some scientists estimate that one out of every three bites of food we eat exists because of animal pollinators like bees, butterflies and moths, birds and bats, and beetles and other insects." Photo by Steve Ward.

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.