Virtual Events for Pollinator Week June 22-28

LINCOLN, Neb. – In honor of the role pollinators play in Nebraska’s economy and ecosystems, Gov. Pete Ricketts has proclaimed June 22-28, 2020, Nebraska Pollinator Week.

The celebration of Nebraska Pollinator Week, typically commemorated with pollinator-related events across the state, has taken on a new form this year in the interest of public health due to COVID-19. Virtual events will be hosted, and Nebraskans can join the Nebraska Pollinator Week 2020 Challenge, head outside, look for pollinators, and be a part of a national citizen science program.

To enter the Nebraska Pollinator Week 2020 challenge, visit nebraskapollinatorweek.org and complete the commitment form. Participants will be sent a package of pollinator resources. Participants then should head outside to look for pollinators and enter at least five species they find on iNaturalist, a web-based citizen science program.

The Nebraska Pollinator Week website also contains free resources, tutorials, lesson plans, and information about Nebraska pollinators. Discover more at nebraskapollinatorweek.org .

Those who participate should continue to honor all local, state and federal public health guidelines, including social distancing and wellness recommendations.

Below are a few other highlighted virtual events being hosted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. For a full list of events, visit nebraskapollinatorweek.org.

Tuesday, June 16: The Nebraska Pollinator Week 2020 Challenge and iNaturalist Introduction will be from 6 to 7 p.m. CST over Zoom. Registration is required at fal.cn/Pollinators.

Monday, June 22: Nebraska Prairie Flowers and their Pollinators will be from 6 to 7 p.m. CST over Zoom. Registration required at fal.cn/PollinatorPrairies.

Tuesday, June 23: Pollinator Week Trivia Night is 6 to 7 p.m. CST over Zoom. Registration is required at fal.cn/PollinatorTrivia.

Wednesday, June 24: A Place for Pollinators will be at 11 a.m. MT over Zoom. Registration is required at fal.cn/PollinatorPlace.

Wednesday, June 24: Prairie Restoration with State Botanist Gerry Steinauer will be from 6 to 7 p.m. CST over Zoom. Registration required at fal.cn/PrairieSeeds.

Thursday, June 25: Importance of Pollinators is 2 p.m. MT over Zoom. Registration is required atfal.cn/PollinatorsNeeded.

For more information, contact Monica Macoubrie at monica.macoubrie@nebraska.gov.