Seven years ago, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved and designated a week in June as “National Pollinator Week,” marking a necessary step toward addressing the urgent issue of declining pollinator populations. Pollinator Week has blossomed into an international celebration of the valuable ecosystem services provided by bees, birds, butterflies, bats, and beetles.

Pollinating animals are vital to our delicate ecosystem, supporting terrestrial wildlife and contributing to healthy watersheds and other benefits. Visit Adkins Arboretum during Pollinator Week to learn how to support and celebrate pollinators. Pick up locally collected Liatris plants, and Stick Bee Houses with instructions for making more at home. Sweet Bay Gifts will feature pollinator books and gifts, including bee condos handcrafted by Arboretum volunteers, and children’s activities will be offered in the lobby.

On Saturday, June 21, join a Summer Flora walk with Margan Glover, and stay to learn about Monarchs with Jim Wilson. Watch for announcements of beekeeper visits to the Arboretum throughout the week. Pollinator Week was initiated and is managed by the Pollinator Partnership. www.pollinator.org.

Photo by Michelle Dolan Lawrence