For Immediate Release
Date: June 23, 2008

Contact:
Paige Buck, State Public Affairs Specialist, (217) 353.6606

It’s Time For National Pollinator Week, June 22-28!

For the second consecutive year, the country will celebrate National Pollinator Week, which was proclaimed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and a unanimous vote of the U.S. Senate in 2007. From the nation’s capitol, the Pollinator Partnership is launching a “Think global; Act local” call-to-action to “Plant for Pollinators.” Featured this National Pollinator Week is the roll-out of a series of 35 eco-regional guides that, for the first time, match people, place, plant and pollinator by personal zip code.

The purpose of Pollinator Week is to teach pollinator-friendly practices and raise public awareness of the importance of birds, bees, bats, beetles, butterflies, moths and flies that are needed to produce 80% of our flowering plants and one third of our human food crops. The National Academy of Sciences has reported that there is direct evidence of the decline of some pollinator species in North America. And, recently, Colony Collapse Disorder of domesticated bees has alarmed the agricultural industry.

“If everyone planted by our science-based guidelines, we would restore habitat naturally,” said Executive Director Laurie Davies Adams of the Pollinator Partnership. “That’s because science tells us the environment pollinators need to survive and thrive.”

“Several NRCS offices and SWCDs are holding special events this summer to promote a better understanding and appreciation of the vital role pollinators play in our lives,” explains NRCS’ State Conservationist Bill Gradle. He encourages locals to do their part to support the national effort by taking action right here at home. “If you want to learn more or do more to help pollinators in your neighborhood or in your community, visit the website at http://www.pollinator.org/pollinator_week_2008.htm. There’s so much to learn and summer is the time when they need our help the most,” Gradle adds. Private landowners and students can also visit www.pollinator.org for free guides, posters, wheels and more!

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