Next week is National Pollinator Week, a time to celebrate the importance of bees, butterflies, birds and other creatures that help spread pollen among flowers and plants.
In honor of Pollinator Week, the Burlington County Parks System has several special events planned to help residents of all ages learn more about various pollinators common to Burlington County, along with simple actions residents can take to help attract and aid them.
“Insects, birds, and other pollinators are critically important to our natural environment, farms and food supplies. In fact, an estimated 85% of all flowering plants on Earth are pollinated by insects and animals,” said Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel, the liaison to the Department of Resource Conservation and Parks. “We want to encourage resident to learn more about these creatures and what we can do to help sustain them. Attending one or more of our Parks System’s Pollinator Week events is a great way to get started. The events are fun and informative activities for residents to learn more about the natural world while spending time outdoors in some of our scenic County parks.”
The Pollinator Week events are as follows:
Hummingbird Hangout: Monday, June 16, at 6:45 PM in Historic Smithville Park. Join Parks naturalists at Smithville’s “pollinator patch” and learn about New Jersey’s native hummingbird species and how to attract them with both feeders and their favorite natural plants. Attendees are encouraged to bring binoculars, cameras, a chair or blanket to sit on and water to stay hydrated.
Registration for Monday’s Hummingbird Hangout is now full, but the program is scheduled to be held again on Friday, July 25, at 9 AM and Friday, Aug. 15, at 6 PM. Registration will open about two weeks in advance of those dates.
Pollinator Walk and Talk: Tuesday, June 17, at 4 PM at the Burlington County Agricultural Center. Join a Parks naturalist for a stroll around the Agricultural Center gardens to learn more about various plants that attract certain types of pollinators, from echinacea to milkweed and various herbs. Register at https://secure.rec1.com/NJ/burlington-county-nj-/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTM2NjA4Nzg=
Backyard Habitats: Tuesday, June 17, at 6 PM at the Burlington County Agricultural Center. Principal Park Naturalist Jen Bulava will present an informational seminar about ways to attract various pollinators and other beneficial species, along with natural methods to repel pests. Learn about the right combination of plants, from perennials, trees, shrubs and grasses to make your backyard a functioning habitat. Register at https://secure.rec1.com/NJ/burlington-county-nj-/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTM2NjA5MjQ= .
Pollinator Patch Discovery: Thursday, June 19, at 9:30 AM at Crystal Lake Park. Join Parks naturalists for a close up look at the Crystal Lake Pollinator Patch. The special pollinator garden was planted last fall on the Axe Factory Road side of the property. The garden includes a mix of planted perennials and wildflower seeds. Parks naturalists will discuss why certain plants were selected and what pollinator species they help attract. Register at https://secure.rec1.com/NJ/burlington-county-nj-/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTM2NjA4ODM= .
All four scheduled Pollinator Week events are free but registration with the Burlington County Parks System is required.
The pollinator events are part of a full calendar of Burlington County Parks System programs, activities and events scheduled throughout the summer. Details about them all can be found in the Burlington County Parks Summer Program Guide at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/235/Parks .
“The Burlington County Parks Systems offers hundreds of different programs and events each year, ranging from nature walks and yoga classes to art exhibits, concerts, history presentations, cooking demonstrations and many more,” Commissioner Eckel said. “No matter your age or intertest, you can find an activity or event you and your family will enjoy.”