National Pollinator week: Bee-palooza

What do birds, wasps, bees, flies and some mammals have in common? They can all be pollinators!

Syrphid fly on a flower (syrphids mimic bees at a first glance, but look more closely and you'll see it's actually a fly).

Pollinators are an essential part of any gardening environment and six years ago the U.S. Senate designated a week in June to be National Pollinator week. This year, that week is June 17-23, 2013. To celebrate the occasion, Michigan State University is hosting its 2nd annual Bee-palooza on campus Sunday (June 23rd) from 1-4pm at the Horticultural Demonstration gardens. If you're in the area definitely stop by and check out this free event featuring pollinators. If you aren't in the area, go online and see what is happening in your own neighborhood.

A version of a solitary bee hotel (at MSU).

There will be MSU entomologists (scientists who study insects) talking about native plants, attracting pollinators (native bees and other insects), building nesting boxes for solitary bees, bee-friendly garden designs and there will be plenty of activities for children as well. If you want more information here is their Facebook page for the event. (Note: In the event of rain it will be canceled.) They will also have a live bumblebee hive on display and stinger-less males for people to touch.

Bumblebee on a flower.

Whether you want to build your own bee hotel, add bee friendly plants or just enjoy the MSU gardens, this event is sure to be fun and educational.

I hope to see you there!

If you want to know more about national pollinator week and ways to celebrate here are a couple of sites:
http://pollinator.org/pollinator_week_2013.htm

http://www.wildlifehc.org/ideas-for-celebrating-national-pollinator-week/