Pollinator Week is an annual celebration in support of pollinator health that was initiated and is managed by Pollinator Partnership. It is a time to raise awareness for pollinators and spread the word about what we can do to protect them. The great thing about Pollinator Week is that you can celebrate and get involved any way you like! Popular events include planting for pollinators, hosting garden tours, participating in online bee and butterfly ID workshops, and so much more.
Pollinator Week 2024 is a celebration of the vital role that pollinators play in our ecosystems, economies, and agriculture. Under the inspiring theme “Vision 2040: Thriving ecosystems, economies, and agriculture,” this year’s event urges us to envision a future where pollinators not only survive but thrive. These essential creatures, including bees, butterflies, moths, bats, beetles, and hummingbirds, are the unsung heroes behind the food we enjoy and the beauty that surrounds us. As we reflect on the interconnectedness of our world, let’s unite in a collective effort to protect and preserve these crucial pollinators. By understanding the impact of our actions on their habitats and embracing sustainable practices, we can pave the way for a flourishing future. Join us in celebrating Pollinator Week 2024, and let’s cultivate a world where both nature and humanity thrive in harmony.
In 2019, The Rochester (MI) Pollinators organization was founded to save the Monarch Butterfly — it’s now so much more. Since then, they’ve expanded their focus to include all native pollinators, birds, and wildlife in their mission. Their strategy is simple – restore native habitats by planting native plants. And it’s working! The City of Rochester now boasts five public gardens featuring native plantings and a 13-acre park with a restored prairie remnant. Even downtown Rochester is getting in on the action with milkweeds and other native flowers in their bump-outs along Main Street. Rochester Pollinators’ mission is to provide education and resources to preserve the Monarch butterfly and pollinator population. We believe every citizen can help our local pollinators flourish by reintroducing Michigan native plants into local landscapes, including home gardens, businesses, and municipal landscapes. We aim to reach as many people as we can with this message! Michigan Native Plants | Save the Monarch Butterfly | Save the bees – Rochester Pollinators
Michigan State University’s College of Natural Science created the Michigan Pollinator Initiative back in February of 2016. The mission of the Michigan Pollinator Initiative is to develop a coordinated research, education, extension, and policy driven effort to address priority issues related to pollinators and pollination in Michigan. Michigan State University works with partners around the state in pursuit of research-based solutions for beekeepers, growers, land managers, and policy makers to promote economic vitality and ecological stability. Through this program, they offer the MSU Certified Pollinator Champion. The course is packed full of videos, articles, and fun activities to guide you through the amazing world of pollinators and pollination. Home – Michigan Pollinator Initiative (msu.edu)
In 2013, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever created the Pollinator Habitat Outreach Program to educate a future generation of conservationists about the importance of our habitat mission. With the realization that good pheasant and quail habitat is also good pollinator habitat, we worked with our chapters to create youth pollinator habitat projects in their communities. The Pollinator Habitat Outreach Program provides tools, training and financial assistance for chapters to engage youth, families and local communities in establishing local pollinator habitat projects. The objective of this program is to educate youth and communities on the importance of habitat for all wildlife. By helping plant quality pollinator habitat projects, they learn firsthand the habitat needs of pheasants, quail, bees and butterflies, and a host of other upland wildlife. pheasantsforever.org/default.aspx
Consider buying a pollinator plant, having us install a pollinator garden, donate to organizations such as those listed above, or just go to a public garden such as Plan Your Visit – Oudolf Garden Detroit and enjoy your local pollinators at work in the beautiful gardens.
