NATIONAL POLLINATOR WEEK 2008

The second annual National Pollinator Week was a major Success! Over 30 state Governors delcared Pollinator Week in their state. We can't wait to hear about what you're planning for June 22-28, 2009! Please E-mail mh@pollinator.org with any pictures or stories about how you celebrated Pollinator Week this year. Look for updates below!

Click here to learn more about National Pollinator Week 2007.

PODCASTS

Pollinator Week Handouts

2008 Pollinator Week Events by U.S. Region

Alabama
By proclamation, Alabama's Governor Bob Riley has declared the 22-28 of June Pollinator Week in the state of Alabama, signed June 3, 2008.

Huntsville
The Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District will offer the 10th Annual Teacher Workshop, June 9-13, in preparation for National Pollinator Week. It's a 40-hour workshop, free to teachers, to educate them on environmental issues and take them to various kinds of farms and let them talk with the farmers. Subjects include modern farming technology; the actual cost of farming; risks involved and the immense cost of farm machinery, and fertilizers and chemicals. Participants visit Mullins Bee farm, a hydroponics farm, a cattle operation and various crop fields. Click here to view a flyer and click here to view the agenda.

Alaska
By proclamation, Alaska's governer Sarah Palin has declared June 22-28th Pollinator Week in the state of Alaska

Arizona
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum wants to host a lecture in their new theater complex as part of their Saturday Summer Evenings program during National Pollinator Week. Also, the Sonoran Arthropod Studies Institute will host a lecture/workshop as part of their Community Days outreach program.

By proclamation, Arizona's Governor Janet Napolitano has declared the 22-28 of June Pollinator Week in the state of Arizona, signed May 20, 2008.

Arkansas
By proclamation, Arkansas's Governor Mike Beebe has declared the 22-28 of June Pollinator Week in the state of Arkansas, signed May 23, 2008.

Paris
The Annual Mount Magazine Butterfly Festival will take place at Mount Magazine State Park, June 20-21, 2008. To truly understand and apreciate butterflies, immerse yourself in their natural habitat at Mount Magazine State Park. Activities offered to help everyone enjoy butterflies more such as basic identification, photography, and gardening.  Children of all ages will enjoy the popular Bug Bonanza, which includes live insects, make and take crafts, and games such as "pollinator bingo." Don't miss the special concert Saturday night that closes out this natural festival!  This festival is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.mountmagazinestatepark.com or contact Lori Spencer (spencer_lori@hotmail.com).

(Above) Scenes from the Mount Magazine Butterfly Festival

California
Sacramento
Sutterville Elementary School in Sacramento will hold a freehands-on fair and fundraiser to support CCD research and stormwater pollution prevention and education on May 10 from 10:00 to 4:30 p.m. Hosted by Mr. Carnie's class, activities will include face painting, bee art, games, songs, cooking, bees wax candles, and Mr. Carnie's class will perform their original honey bee song. The event will held at Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge near Elk Grove, CA. For a list of other pollinator friendly activities, visit http://www.fws.gov/stonelakes/wow.htm. For more information, visit the website at www.beesavers.org or the blog at www.savethebees.learnerblog.com. Click here to watch Mr. Carnie's class's music video. Click here to read the February 28 article in the Sacramento Bee.

San Francisco
San Francisco State University is organizing the Great Sunflower Project this spring and summer. This citizen science project is designed to get regional and even continental data on pollinators.  Each participant will be sent sunflower seeds to grow in their own garden.  During Pollinator Week, everyone will watch their sunflower and record how long it takes for five bees to visit.   The data collected by all the people participating will give us the first map of how pollinators are really doing across the United States and will allow us discover the areas where we need to start helping pollinators.  For more information, visit www.greatsunflower.org or contact Gretchen LeBuhn at lebuhn@sfsu.edu.

By proclamation, California's Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared June 22-28, 2008 Pollinator Week in the State of California.

Colorado
By proclamation, Colorado's Governor Bill Ritter declared June 22-28, 2008 Pollinator Week in the State of Colorado.

Crested Butte
KBUT Radio in Crested Butte, CO will host an interview with Dr. David Inouye regarding the effects of climate change on plants and pollinators on Sunday, June 22 at 4:30 p.m.

Westminster
The Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster, CO will kick off its summer theme, "Pollination Nation," on June 20th. Hands-on exhibits, special classes and garden tours will highlight the importance of pollinators and their habitats. For more information, contact ayarger@butterflies.org.

Connecticut
Ashford
On Sunday, June 22 from 10 am to 1 pm, the Ashford Farmers Market will celebrate National Pollinator Week. The Market will highlight beekeeper Rich Deszo and the work he does with honeybees, one of our most important pollinators. Rich will bring an observation hive for viewing as well as sell fresh honey at his booth.

By proclamation, the Governor of Connecticut M. Jodi Rell declared June 22-28, 2008 Pollinator Week in the State of Connecticut.

Delaware
By proclamation, Delaware's Governor Ruth Ann Minner declared June 23-29, 2008 Pollinator Week in the State of Delaware.

Dover
In celebration of Nat'l Pollinator Week the Delaware Dept. of Agriculture will host a day of activities on June 26 from 10:30- 1:30 pm. Events include a pollinator garden tour & dedication ceremony from, a lecture from on "Bee, Flowers & Butterflies" which included a honey tasting! and lab tours. All events held at the Delaware Dept. of Agriculture, 2320 S. DuPont Highway Dover, DE 19901. For more information contact Faith Kuehn at (302) 698-4587.

(Top) Secretary Michael Scuse cutting the ribbon on DDA pollinator garden
(Above) Monarch butterfly release

District of Columbia, Washington
The U.S. Botanic Garden will host a Family Day focusing on pollination and sustainability on June 21, the Saturday before National Pollinator Week. For more information, please contact Katie Palm, Education Specialist at the USBG, at kpalm@aoc.gov or 202-226-8038.

The Indian Craft Shop, located inside the U.S. Department of the Interior in Washington, DC, will feature art depiciting pollinators created by American Indian artists from across the country. Enjoy the whimsy of Kathy Whitman’s jewelry and sculpture depicting hummingbirds, butterflies and flowers; the exceptional skills of potter Mary Louise Eteevan’s butterfly-lidded bowls; and the charm of a woven strawberry basket from the Barnes family. Many of today’s American Indian arts honor the elements of the living world, capturing their importance and their beauty – join us as we celebrate Pollinators in American Indian Art from June 23 – 27. For more information contact Susan Pourian at pourians@guestservices.com

You're Invited to Let's Lick This Problem! Join the Pollinator Partnership for a critical bee and pollinator status update. We'll share the latest research on CCD and have treats from Häagen-Dazs® and Burt's Bees®. The event will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2008, from 3-5 PM at 1300 Longworth House Office Building House Agriculture Committee Hearing Room. RSVP to rsvp@pollinator.org

Look at more pictures from the event Here

Devon M. Rothschild held a pollinator-themed playgroup for her 1 year-old and his friends during National Pollinator Week.  Activities included a buffet featuring food brought to us courtesy of pollinators, pollinator-themed coloring books that I made, and a look around my garden in search of pollinators. Rothschild reported that every parent made at least one comment about how they were unaware that certain foods featured in the buffet required pollinators in some way, or said they learned something from the facts in the coloring book.

Florida
Naples
Naples Zoo will be holding pollinator awareness events all week long, including a Tropical Plant Tour. As part of the tour, guests will explore the Zoo’s Backyard Wildlife Habitat, a model garden that provides food and other benefits to pollinators. Click Here for more info. Visit www.napleszoo.org/press

Pictures from Naples Zoo pollinator event

By proclamation, Florida's Governor Charlie Crist declared June 22-28, 2008 Pollinator Week in the State of Florida, signed February 20, 2008.

Georgia
Thomasville
Birdsong Nature Center (click for more info.) will host "Passion for Pollinators" on June 28th from 10am-2pm. Come explore the world of pollinators with Naturalist Chris Bittle and Tasha Weinstein, Coordinator of Educational Outreach at WFSU. Activities will include games, crafts, picnic and a tour of the butterfly garden. Birdsong Nature Center is located at 206 Meridian Rd. Thomasville, GA 31792

By proclamation, Georgia's Governor Sonny Perdue declared June 22-28, 2008 Pollinator Week in the State of Georgia, signed March 12, 2008.

Stone Mountain
Join Stone Mountain Park for hikes and crafts to help you learn more about the importance of pollinators! Look here to see a schedule of activites. Visit www.stonemountainpark.org/ to learn more.

Illinois
By proclamation, Illinois's Governor Rod Blagojevich declared June 22-28, 2008 Pollinator Week in the State of Illinois, signed April 4, 2008.

Urbana
The Champaign Urbana Pollinator Awareness Network (CUPAN) has planned a celebration of National Pollinator Week from June 22nd -28th. Activities will kick off with an opening ceremony on Sunday, June 22, from 2-5pm, at the Plant Biology Conservatory on the University of Illinois campus, and will feature a pollinator art exhibit, pollinator-themed tours of the conservatory and information on how local organizations are working to conserve pollinators in our community. More information about Champaign-Urbana's National Pollinator Week effort is at http://www.life.uiuc.edu/entomology/pollinators/ Contact pollinator.network@gmail.com if your organization is interested in participating.

Idaho
Moscow
By proclamation, Moscow's Mayor Nancy Chaney declared June 22-28, 2008 Pollinator Week in the city of Moscow, in the State of Idaho, signed June 16, 2008.

Iowa
By proclamation, Iowa's Governor Chester Culver declared June 22-28, 2008 Pollinator Week in the State of Iowa, signed February 11, 2008.

Kansas
By proclamation, Kansas's Governor Kathleen Sebelius declared June 22-28, 2008 Pollinator Week in the State of Kansas, June 12, 2008.

Kentucky
By proclamation, Kentucky's Governor Steven L. Beshear declared June 22-28, 2008 Pollinator Week in the State of Kentucky, signed June 4, 2008.

Lousiana
By proclamation, Lousiana's Governor Bobby Jindal declared June 22-28, 2008 Pollinator Week in the State of Lousiana.

Shreveport
On Friday, June 27th, Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park will celebrate National Pollinator Week with a day of fun activities for the whole family. Join us for one program, or come out for the day. Bring a picnic lunch, explore the park, and experience the beauty and awe of Northwest Louisiana’s plants, bees, and butterflies. Schedule of Activities

Admission is free. For more information, contact park naturalist Rachel Demascal by phone at 318-929-2806 or via email at rdemascal@caddo.org.

Maine
Rockport
Avena Botanicals’ Apothecary and Herb Garden, located at 219 Mill St., off Rt. 90 in Rockport,ME is pleased to announce the dates for their FREE summer herb walks led by owner, gardener, educator and herbalist, Deb Soule. These popular garden walks are a wonderful way to spend a Wednesday afternoon in the midcoast area. The apothecary store will also be open. The next herb walk will be Wednesday June 25. Future walks: 3:30pm on Wednesdays: July 9, July 23, August 6 and August 13. For more information visit www.avenabotanicals.com or call toll-free 866-282-8362.

By proclamation, Maine's Governor John Baldacci declared June 22-28, 2008 Pollinator Week in the State of Maine.

Maryland
Beltsville
The USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratry will host an Open House on Friday, June 27th from 10:00 am to 4:00 p.m. It will provide an opportunity for beekeepers and the public to see first-hand the research that takes place in Beltsville. Demonstration of molecular diagnosis of bee diseases and field demonstrations of bee colony management including queen rearing and artificial insemination. Please contact Bart Smith for more information (301-504-8821). Click here for a schedule of events.

Join the USDA-NRCS-National Plant Materials Center on Thursday June 26 from 9:00 am to noon for a Pollinator Field Day.  Events for the day will include speakers, a field tour, and exhibits.  Events will focus on the importance of plant diversity to provide habitat for the pollinators which are critical to agriculture. Click here for more information, directions, and registration.

Cecil County
The Wildlife Habitat Council will celebrate Pollinator Week at New Beginnings: The Woodlawn Wildlife Area on Saturday, June 21st from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event is free, and activities will include pollinated produce sampling, a pollinator hike, and crafts and workshops designed around pollinators. For directions, please visit http://www.wildlifehc.org/ewebeditpro/items/O57F4649.pdf, and for more information, contact Jeff Popp (jpopp@wildlifehc.org or 301-588-8994).

By proclamation, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley declared June 22-28th Pollinator Week in the state of Maryland, signed June 22, 2008.

Massachusetts
By proclamation, Massachusetts Governor Deval L. Patrick declared June 22 -28th Pollinator Week in the state of Massachusetts, signed May, 21 2008.

Michigan
Ann Arbor
Buhr Park annouces Pollinator Day on June 21, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. Kids of all ages and their parents are welcome to join us to help make the wet meadow more welcoming to pollinators. We’ll build nest boxes from the hollow stems of native plants, and install nest boxes. We’ll talk about the importance of pollinators for the serviceberries, raspberries and elderberries growing nearby. We'll also discuss how kids can be safe around bees. Bring hats, sunscreen, and a picnic if you wish. (Please leave pets at home.) There is no charge. Buhr Park is located at 2781 Packard Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48108. For more information, see our web site http://wetmeadow.blogspot.com or phone Mark at 734-478-1333.

By proclamation, Michigan's Governor Jennifer Granholm declared June 22-28, 2008 Pollinator Week in the State of Michigan.

Minnesota
By proclamation, Minnesota's Governor Tim Pawlenty declared June 22-28, 2008 Pollinator Week in the State of Minnesota, signed March 26, 2008.

Mississippi
Coffeeville
The Jamie L. Whitten Plant Materials Center will be having their annual Wildflower Tour on Wednesday, 25 June 2008. We provide a tour of the PMC with leaders talking and providing historical and current information about the PMC Program and the PMC itself.  The tour typically includes 3 - 4 stops with speakers.  This years tour will include Dr. Sherry Surrette, with the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science

By proclamation, Mississippi's Governor Haley Barbour declared June 22-28, 2008 Pollinator week in the State of Mississippi, signed May 19, 2008.

Missouri
By proclamation, Missouri's Governor Matt Blunt declared June 22-28, 2008 Pollinator week in the state of Missouri, signed May 22, 2008.

New Hampshire
Winchester
Black Cat Honey and Products in Winchester, NH will have talks on bees and other pollinators as well as tours of their bee yard and obersvation hive on Sunday, June 22 and Saturday, June 28. Free drinks, including iced tea and lemonade made with honey, will be served. For more information, contact blackcathoney@hotmail.com

New Mexico
Albuquerque
The Rio Grande Botanic Garden in Albuquerque, NM will celebrate Pollinator Week from June 23-June 28 and will have activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. Visit hands-on discovery stations around the Botanic Garden to learn about the amazing bees, butterflies, birds, bats, and other creatures that help make your favorite fruits and veggies possible! Go on a pollinator scavenger hunt, create flower and pollinator pairs from recycled materials, and learn how to help these animals in your own yard. For more information, please contact Amy Henderson (ahenderson@cabq.gov or 505-764-6285).

New Jersey
Roseland
The Essex County Environmental Center's Bug Club will be hosting a BugFest on Saturday, June 28th, 2008 at the Essex County Environmental Center. This celebration will include a bee beard and bee bikini to showcase the ultimate in beekeeper high fashion. For more information on the BugFest or the success of our Bug Club (open to children 5-10) please don't hesitate to contact David Alexander.

     
Various sights from the Essex County Environmental Center's BugFest

Sussex
The Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge 1547 Rte 565 , Sussex, NJ will be hosting a program on Saturday June 28th from 1:00 pm until 3:00pm all about honey bees, native bees and wasps, see specimens, and nests; learn what the differences are and how each serves our environment,  all ages. Program given by  Marie Springer a  Bee keeper who is also participating in the national native bee survey with the USGS, sampling bees in NY, NJ and Pennsylvania. For more information please call Marie Springer 201-660-8880.

Sussex cont.
Sunday June 29th 9:30 am - 11:30 am Ken Witowski, naturalist, leads a butterfly walk on the Wallkill Refuge. Walk the refuge and see the greatest seasonal diversity of butterflies  species  for our Northeastern New Jersey area.

New York
Macedon
The Wayside Garden Center will have guest speakers and an enclosed outdoor Butterfly Garden, full of butterfly-loving host and nectar trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals. A butterfly release is also a tentative plan for the event. For more information, please contact Trish at (585)223-1222 or trish@waysidegardencenter.com.

Marcellus
The Baltimore Woods Nature Center in Marcellus, NY will hold a pre-Pollinator Week Pollinator-Friendly Plant Sale on Saturday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Information on gardening practices that benefit pollinators will be provided. For more information, contact Patty Weisse at 315-673-1350.

Sag Harbour
Morton Wildlife Refuge, 2595 Noyac Rd. will celebrate pollinators on Sat. June 28 from 1-4pm. For more information click here or contact Vittoria Marzot at (631)-725-7598.

Shawangunk
Friends of the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuges will be holding a program on
Saturday June 28th Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge 9:30  am- 11:00 am on Hoagerburgh Road. All about honey bees, native bees and wasps, see specimens and nests: learn what the differences are and how each serves our environment, all ages. Program given by  Marie Springer a  Bee keeper who is also participating in the national native bee survey with the USGS, sampling bees in NY, NJ and Pennsylvania. For information please call Marie Springer 201-660-8880.

North Carolina
Four Oaks
Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center, 6601 Devil's Racetrack Road, Four Oaks, NC, is planning a class during 2008 National Pollinator Week titled "What's the Buzz on Native Pollinators?" For more information please contact Katrina McDougald at 919-938-0115.

Brevard
A celebration of National Pollinator Week will be held in beautiful western North Carolina at the WNC Nature Center on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 7 p.m. The free presentation will cover the wondrous life cycle and the fall migration of the monarch butterfly. Brevard naturalist Ina Warren will present the illustrated talk that will also cover instructions for creating a Monarch Waystation. Two species of wild milkweed seeds will be available for free to participants. Refreshments will be served and the program will be of interest to all ages.  The talk is sponsored by Mountain Wild!  For more information, access: www.mountainwild.org

Additional talks: Saturday, June 28 at 4 p.m. during the popular annual "Bug Day" at the Cradle of Forestry in America Visitor Center. www.cradleofforestry.com and Tuesday, July 1 at 10 a.m. at The North Carolina Arboretum www.ncarboretum.org