12 Nebraskaland • June 2023
IN THE FIELD
Bumble bee on showy milkweed at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area and Nature Center in Scotts Bluff County.
JUSTIN HAAG, NEBRASKALAND
Most of us know what a pollinator is
— an animal that moves pollen within
a flower, or between flowers, in a way
that aids in plant reproduction. We also
understand pollinators are vital for the
health of ecosystems and humans.
It seems fitting that once a year we
dedicate a week to learn about and
celebrate these important creatures.
Here in Nebraska, we make a special
effort to promote and share our love
and excitement for pollinators during
Pollinator Week, which is June 19 to
25 this year.
Nebraska Game and Parks
Commission hosts this celebration
with the help of partners that support
pollinator-themed events across the
state. Visit OutdoorNebraska.gov and
the webpage "Pollinator Week" to
find an event near you.
Game and Parks will host the
Nebraska Pollinator Quest, formerly
the Pollinator Week Challenge, at that
time. Everyone is encouraged to take
pictures of pollinators and upload
them to the free iNaturalist app.
The Quest is a great place to start
celebrating these animals, but for
those who want to do more, here are
a few suggestions for ways you can
support pollinators year-round.
Increase Pollinator Knowledge
Through Community Science
Two pollinator projects are looking
for volunteers in Nebraska. Visit
OutdoorNebraska.gov to learn more
about the Nebraska Bumble Bee Atlas
and the monarch and regal fritillary
butterfly surveys and find out how
you can make a difference.
Cultivate Overlapping Blooms
When gardening for pollinators,
overlapping bloom times is essential.
Making sure something is always
blooming spring through fall will
ensure you are providing vital food
resources for pollinators. Find
resources at OutdoorNebraska.gov.
Leave the Leaves
Looking for a way to help pollinators
and do less yard work? Leaving the
leaves in your yard provides important
overwintering habitat for many
insect species, including pollinators.
Dead stems are also an important
overwintering shelter for native bees.
This month, join Nebraska Game
and Parks to celebrate Pollinator Week.
Attend an event or go on a Quest. And
keep supporting pollinators all year
with small actions that lead to big
impacts. With your help, Nebraska will
continue to have an amazing array of
pollinators to celebrate.
By Alie Mayes, Community Science Specialist
CELEBRATING POLLINATOR WEEK
