It’s hard to believe it’s already June! It seems like I was just digging in on the latest research and recommendations for Pollinator Week 2022, but here we are – back again to celebrate the birds, bees and butterflies!
The Pollinator Partnership, which sponsors Pollinator Week internationally, is focusing on the link between pollinators and climate change this year. The negative aspects certainly remain – continued loss of habitat leading to the death of pollinators globally. On the flip side of that, though, is the effort to support pollinators’ habitats “can help combat climate change by supporting healthy ecosystems, air, soil, water, and plants.”
One of the most important things we can do on an individual or community level is provide habitats for these beautiful and essential creatures. If you are not sure exactly where to start, there are many planting and buying guides available to help. The National Wildlife Foundation has developed Garden for Wildlife, where you can purchase plants and plant groups directly that have been curated for your specific location. Pollinator Partnership has also developed planting guides based on ecoregion that can help you begin your helpful habitat.
If you already have a pollinator garden and want to take it to the next level, NWF offers certification as a wildlife habitat. Check out details here to get started. Join the other 1209 certified gardens in the Atlanta area that have already been certified. It’s cool to know that we are among the top five cities gardening for wildlife in the nation!
If you want to learn more about these fascinating beings, there are a number of educational offerings, in-person and online. Trees Atlanta is offering The Birds and the Bees (Pollinators in Atlanta’s Urban Forest). Coming up this week, the National Wildlife Federation is presenting Supporting Picky Eaters in your Native Habitat— How to Plant with a Purpose.
Don’t forget about the FUN! You can celebrate at the 2023 Pollinator Week Festival with Bee City USA in Decatur on June 24. For the kiddos, Atlanta Botanical Garden is throwing a Pollinator Party on June 23 with crafts, seed planting, and honey tasting.
Last but definitely not least, if you have garden knowledge, inspiration, or curiosity to share, UUCA’s garden team welcomes you. If you would like to get involved, reach out to me here.
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JOURNEY WITH US: The Climate Action Team extends a radical welcome to activists, contemplatives, readers, meditators, questioners, tree hugging hippies, scientists, policy wonks, radicals, pacifists, nature enthusiasts, and all who seek community as we navigate our changing times together. Learn all about the group here, and check out our lending library and Carbon Offset Fund grant opportunity. Contact Jon Reese to connect to the CAT and join us for our special in-person potluck in the social hall on Monday, June 19.