Pollinators play a vital role in our environment and food systems, yet populations in many areas are dwindling. As part of , June 16 – 22, University of Nevada, Reno Extension and partners are hosting a variety of fun activities to help northern Nevadans incorporate pollinator-friendly spaces in their yards and gardens, and in our communities. Go on a bug and flower hunt, order a pollinator garden kit, take a pollinator garden tour, or catch an inspiring movie about pollinators.
, June 16 – 22
This community science initiative encourages participants of all skill levels – gardeners, naturalists, students and families – to photograph and record sightings of bees, butterflies, beetles, hummingbirds and other pollinators in their natural habitats, and record the data using the App. Participation is free, and participants will contribute valuable data that helps track pollinator diversity, population trends and habitat use across northern Nevada’s high desert and mountain ecosystems. The project focuses on native flowering plants, pollinator-friendly gardens, and critical habitats that support these essential species. Participants can explore local parks, trails, gardens and backyards, adding observations throughout the week. Get more information and .
Pollinator Week Movie Nights, June 16
There will be two free showings of “My Garden of a Thousand Bees," a PBS pollinator-themed movie inspiring protection of pollinators, and . The film is by acclaimed wildlife filmmaker Martin Dohrn, who, locked down by coronavirus, turned his lenses on the surprising and spectacular bees living in his own urban garden in Bristol, England. In Reno, Extension’s pest management team and The Museum of Natural History are teaming up to host the showing at 5:30 p.m. at the Museum of Natural History on the University of Nevada, Reno campus, 975 Evans Avenue, in the Fleischmann Agriculture Building, Room 300G. They will offer a quick tour of the museum before the film. Parking will be free after 5 p.m. at Record Street and Evans Avenue in the Silver 12 lot. In Minden, Extension’s Master Gardeners in Douglas County are hosting the showing at 5 p.m. at the Douglas County Public Library Minden Branch, 1625 Library Lane. .
, June 17
Extension is selling pollinator garden kits for $100 that include 16 plants, which are a mix of native varieties, adaptive varieties, perennials and annuals in pots of varying sizes (2 to 5 inches). There is a limit of one kit per person, and each kit is a unique mix of plants. , and choose from which Extension office you wish to pick up your plants on June 17 – the Extension office in Reno, Carson City or Gardnerville. Plant varieties, details, specific pick-up times and office locations are available when plants are purchased online. Proceeds benefit Extension’s , a volunteer educator program designed to teach research-based Nevada gardening practices to volunteers who in turn share this knowledge with their local communities through educational presentations and workshops, community events, and more.
, June 22
This is a free, self-guided tour through some of the public pollinator demonstration gardens in Reno, Carson City, Gardnerville and Minden, where docents will be on hand to discuss the elements of the gardens and the role that pollinators play in our ecosystems, as well as answer questions and provide tips for creating pollinator gardens. Register online, and then receive a link to a Google map of the garden locations that includes descriptions and photos of the gardens. Attendees can pick and choose which gardens to visit throughout the duration of the event, which runs 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
This event is a collaboration of University of Nevada, Reno Extension; Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful; Washoe County Regional Parks & Open Space; City of Reno; Truckee Meadows Community College; the Nevada Native Plant Society; the Biggest Little Bee City USA; the Greenhouse Project; One Truckee River; and Nevada Monarch Society. It also receives support from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under Award No. 2024-70006-43499.
You can also find more information on attracting and protecting pollinators on Extension’s . Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance for any of the pollinator week events should email Paul Lessick, civil rights and compliance coordinator, or call him at 702-257-5577 at least five days prior to the scheduled event with their needs or for more information.
