DuPage Monarch Project to host Pollinator Blitz on March 15
The flickering magic of fireflies and a dragon fly’s aerial antics may captures your attention, while the services native pollinators provide for food production and ecosystem health often go unnoticed. For one day in March, a Pollinator Blitz will shine a spotlight on these hidden gems of the insect world.
Pollinators are important. “They give us what we need, the food and ecosystems that are the very foundation of life. Helping pollinators is helping us have healthy lives,” said Beth Peluse, Conservation@Home program manager
Pollinators are in trouble and they need our help. Their habitat is disappearing as land is repurposed for urban development and agriculture. They’re exposed to toxic insecticides and subjected to extreme rainstorms and prolonged droughts. The research confirming the dramatic decline of insects was a timely wake-up call because it affects all of us.
The top native pollinators are native bees and flower flies. With fewer native flowers there is less nectar and pollen available for them. Safe, undisturbed areas for hibernating during the winter are scarce. The good news is that the food and shelter pollinators need can easily be part of an urban or suburban garden.
“Pollinator Blitz: Bringing Conservation Home” will focus on the special relationship between native pollinators and native plants. It will provide opportunities for the curious and experienced to learn how yards and gardens, no matter how big or small, can be a part of the solution to pollinator decline.
The Blitz begins with an introduction to native bees and other beneficial insects. It will be followed by three talks about gardening with native plants that will cover: site preparation, garden design, native flowers, pollinator-friendly native trees and shrubs and the native plants suitable for small gardens.
As the new ideas about pollinators and plants are taking hold throughout the day, make time to check out the many interesting exhibits and vendors. Stop by Prairie Wind Native Plants for a free swamp milkweed (40 plants will be available every hour) or pick up one of the 300 free native trees offered by the Forest Preserve. Make a seed ball and browse the native plant gardening books and other items at the Forest Preserve’s shop.
The last presentation of the day provides practical tips for making your very own pollinator paradise.
“You don’t have to do a lot, one plant makes a difference and they all add up,” said Jeanette Goodlow, gardener and member of Wild Ones Greater DuPage Chapter.
“Pollinator Blitz: Bringing Conservation Home” will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 31st St. in Oak Brook.
Due to limited space, registration is requested for the educational sessions. However, no registration is required to explore our expo hall, featuring exciting organizations and vendors. Expo hall is open to the public 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Register at dupagemonarchs.com.
Support DuPage Monarch Project’s mission at the Blitz with a $10 donation and receive a one-of-a-kind bandanna.