Waukegan Parks Foundation and Waukegan Park District partner to host the 2024 Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz

The Waukegan Parks Foundation is partnering with the Waukegan Park District to host the 2024 Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, at Pollinator Park, 3552 Winhaven Drive, Waukegan.

Organized by the National Recreation and Park Association and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, the free educational event will emphasize the importance of pollinators to the local ecosystem.

Children will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on nature activities. Attendees will be encouraged to use iNaturalist, a free mobile app, to create a snapshot of the variety of wildlife that can be found in Pollinator Park by taking photos of plants, insects and other animals.

According to the White House Pollinator Health Task Force, during the last 30 years, the United States has seen a steady decline of pollinators, such as bees, bats and butterflies, at an alarming rate of 30% annually, making it vital to take action on pollinator protection.

“The Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz is a way for children and families to learn about the vital role pollinators play in the environment,” Charlotte Callahan Wozniak, President of the Waukegan Parks Foundation Board of Directors said. “With several honeybee hives, the Waukegan Parks

Foundation is committed to partnering with the Waukegan Park District to promote sustainable practices that support an increase in the number of pollinators.”

“The Waukegan Park District is excited to partner with the Waukegan Parks Foundation to host the 2024 Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz,” Anton L. Mathews, president of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, said. “The event will offer families an interactive opportunity to engage with nature and understand the significance of the world’s pollinators.”

“The Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz will be a method of presenting to the community how parks serve as critical habitats for pollinators,” Jay Lerner, executive director of the Waukegan Park District, said. “Through this partnership with the Waukegan Parks Foundation, the Waukegan Park District intends to inspire more individuals to take action at home in support of pollinators.”

Registration is not required. More information is available at waukeganparks.org/bioblitz.