Join a Pollinator Safari June 25 to celebrate 'Nature's Essential Workers'
The Boone-Dutch Creek Watershed Alliance and a host of partnering organizations invite you to join in on a Pollinator Safari on Saturday, June 25 during National Pollinator Week (June 20-26).
This event is designed to cultivate curiosity and help people discover how uniquely connected and essential native pollinators are to our native plant communities.
It will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at Boloria Meadows Nature Preserve, 7219 Millburne Court in Bull Valley.
Hosts will take out groups on "Pollinator Safari" walks through the preserve and help identify pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Participants will learn how to use cellphone photography to make observations and hone their pollinator identification skills.
Bee biologist Alma Schrage, butterfly monitor Pete Jackson and site steward Dennis Dreher will share their enthusiasm and expertise for our native pollinators and plants at scheduled half-hour talks during the event.
"The Butterflies of the Boone Creek Watershed" with Pete Jackson will begin at 1:30 p.m.
It will be followed at 2:30 p.m. by "Native Bees of the Boone Creek Watershed" with Alma Schrage, and at 3:30 p.m. by "Becoming a Pollinator Protector" with Dennis Dreher.
Participants will discover "Nature's Essential Workers" and learn how they can become a "Pollinator Protector" at this fun, family-friendly Pollinator Safari.
The first 30 to register for the event at forms.gle/TJhqo9Xpk4Pnokru8 will receive a packet of native seeds. Attendees are invited to come dressed as their favorite pollinator to receive a special gift. Educational exhibitors, fun photo ops, crafts, and cool activities with prizes are planned.
The rain date for the event is Sunday, June 26. If you are interested in helping out at this fun event or have any questions, email boonedutch@gmail.com.
Presented by Boone-Dutch Creeks Watershed Alliance in partnership with Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, Land Conservancy of McHenry County, Wildflower Preservation & Propagation Committee, Small Waters Education, Friends of Hackmatack Wildlife Refuge, Conversación de Conservación, and Midwest Native Bee Alliance.