June 17 to 23 is National Pollinator Week, which was designated by the U.S. Senate 11 years ago and has grown into an international event in the landscape industry. Part of the weeklong event includes raising awareness about the endangered pollinators in the U.S., such as the Mexican Long-Nosed Bat, the Rusty-Patched Bumble Bee and the Karner Blue Butterfly.

A recent study of the status of pollinators in North America by the National Academy of Sciences found that populations of honey bees, which are not native to North America, and some wild pollinators are declining. The study goes on to say that declines in wild pollinators may be a result of habitat loss and degradation, while declines in managed bees is linked to disease.

Pollinator Partnership (P2), an association dedicated to promoting the health of pollinators, offers a downloadable toolkit on their website, with ideas for local activities, social media posts and additional information resources.

To learn more about National Pollinator Week or to find a Pollinator Week event near you, visit https://tinyurl.com/y6452wvp.