Join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in celebrating our state’s native pollinators — including more than 200 species of butterflies — during Nebraska Pollinator Week this June 20-26. Pollinator Week, in Nebraska and internationally, is an effort to celebrate and raise awareness about pollinators and their conservation. Pollinators, including bees, hummingbirds and butterflies, add more than $217 billion to the worldwide economy through crop pollination. They pollinate more than 180,000 plant species around the world — including plants that …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska has many native pollinators, including more than 200 species of butterflies alone. Celebrate the role they play during Nebraska Pollinator Week this June 21- 27. Through the pollination of crops, insect pollinators add more than $217 billion to the worldwide economy. Species also pollinate more than 180,000 plant species worldwide – ensuring ecosystems produce food for countless other species, including pheasants, songbirds and mammals. Nebraska Pollinator Week is the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s statewide focus …

What you may not know about me is that I am a lover of wildflowers. Seeing, smelling, identifying and just being amid native wildflowers are on my list of my favorite outdoor pursuits in Nebraska’s landscape. And you know what? Those wildflowers are more important than ever! No, scratch that. Indirectly, those native wildflowers are vital to all life on our planet Earth! Allow me to explain. For one out of every three bites of food you eat, you need to thank a bee, butterfly, beetle, ant, wasp, bat, bird or …

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 …

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. Bees, birds, beetles, butterflies, and small mammals pollinate one in every three bites of food we eat. Pollinator species are essential for the ecological services they provide humans, ecosystems and natural resources. The celebration of Nebraska Pollinator Week, typically commemorated with pollinator-related events across the state, has taken on a new form this year …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Gov. Pete Ricketts has proclaimed that June 19-25 is Nebraska Pollinator Week. This special designation reminds Nebraskans of the importance of pollination to ecosystems, businesses, and people’s lives, while acknowledging the creatures that pollinate. In Nebraska, pollination from the animal kingdom can be credited to species of hummingbirds, butterflies, moths, bees, beetles and flies. Lt. Gov. Mike Foley presented the signed proclamation to Nebraska Game and Parks Commission biologist Melissa Panella on June 7 in a ceremony …

“Pollination is one of the most important mechanisms in the maintenance and promotion of biodiversity and, in general, life on Earth. Pollination benefits society by increasing food, security and improving livelihoods.” – Convention on Biological Diversity, Sustaining Life on Earth.   We are in the midst of National Pollinator Habitat Week (June 15-21) here in Nebraska and elsewhere in this great country. I am promoting it and proud to say that our family farm in southeastern Nebraska is enrolled entirely …

Pollinator Week is June 19-25 By Alie Mayes, Community Science Specialist Most of us know the basics of 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 that pollinators are vital to the health of ecosystems, and they provide invaluable services to humans, including pollination of many of the fruits and vegetables we eat. It seems fitting, then, that once a year we …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Families can enjoy spending time together outdoors and learning about nature at the End of Summer Bash, to be held Aug. 30 through Sept. 1 at Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area. The fun begins with a themed, lighted hayrack ride around the park on Aug. 30, starting at 9 p.m. Tickets can be bought at Weigand Marina for $3. Enjoy family-friendly educational sessions with the park naturalist throughout the day on Aug. 31. Learn about tree …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Enjoy a Labor Day weekend filled with fun outdoor activities at Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area (SRA) Sept. 1-2. Get out on the water and see the park in a different light with kayaking and a lighted hayrack ride on Sept. 1. Sept. 2’s activities include an introductory archery course, Labor Day-themed arts and crafts, a fun educational program about pollinators, and a family movie in the evening. A park permit is required of each vehicle …