History
Pollinator Week was started by and is managed by Pollinator Partnership. In 2008, the U.S. Senate’s unanimous approval and designation of a week in June as “National Pollinator Week” marked an essential step forward in pollinator conservation.
Pollinator Week has now grown into an international celebration, including Canada, Mexico, and some countries in Europe! This event promotes the valuable ecosystem services, like pollinating the 87% of flowers that require assistance, provided by bees, birds, butterflies, bats, beetles, moths, wasps, and flies.
People can participate and help raise awareness about the importance of pollinators by hosting an activity during Pollinator Week. Many have already pledged to Pollinator Partnership to continue promoting pollinator health.
“Through the numerous virtual and in-person gatherings, webinars, planting sessions, garden and farm walks, and monument lightings, Pollinator Week 2026 is geared to be the busiest and best one yet!” – Pollinator Partnership
Why it’s Still Important
Pollinator Week is still incredibly important to pollinator conservation. It highlights the role that bees, butterflies, and other insects play in our food systems and everyday lives. Not only are they beautiful creatures, they also contribute 100s of billions of dollars globally every year by pollinating our food crops. This week is filled with educational events and is full of advocating for wildlife.
There are many ways to get involved!
Many of these events and activities are family-friendly and made for young and old alike. Everyone is invited to participate.
Online
- Vote for pollinator-friendly policies
- Tell your pollinator stories on social media using #PollinatorWeek
- Highlight pollinators on your blog
- Register your pollinator habitat
- Attend an educational webinar
- Screen a pollinator film
At Home
- Plant native plants
- Pollinator Friendly Ames has some great resources for planning
- Sign the Pesticide Pledge by Good Neighbor Iowa
- Provide clean water sources
- Host/Join a nature walk
- Build a bee house
- Guide by Michigan State
- Turn off your outdoor lights at night for nocturnal polliantors
- Leave your leaves for overwintering pollinators