Pollinator Week 2024 to include nature walks, beekeeping instructional, scavenger hunt and more

NORMAN, OKLA. — The Division of Environmental Resilience & Sustainability of the City of Norman has coordinated with community partners to plan another week of activities in celebration Pollinator Week 2024. Events will take place June 15-22, 2024, and are open to all.

During Pollinator Week, awareness is raised for pollinators – creatures such as bees, bats, birds and butterflies – that carry pollen from plant to plant to help fertilize and grow them, ultimately benefiting human life and development. Of the 1,400 crop plants grown around the world, almost 80 percent require pollination by animals.

“We are starting the party a little early in Norman, compared to the kickoff for the national observance,” said Michele Loudenback, Division Manager. “That’s only appropriate as excited as we are about all-things-pollinators in the City of Norman! We are looking forward to a great and educational time with residents and visitors.”

Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for all activities. No pre-registration is required. Water coolers will be available to refill water vessels. See below for event details.

 

SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2024

  • 9 p.m. | Ruby Grant Park, 3110 W. Franklin – Meeting location: 36th Avenue W. playground area| Moth Night with Zach DuFran, Moth Team Naturalist, for the Oklahoma Biological Survey

Observe the awesome pollinators and other insects that come alive at night!

 

SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2024

  • 2 p.m. | Saxon Park, 3016 36th Avenue SE | Bee Walk with Dr. James Hung, Assistant Professor, Oklahoma Natural Heritage Inventory & Oklahoma Biological Survey

Take a walk around Saxon and learn about our fantastic day time pollinators, especially our native bees!

 

THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2024

  • 7 p.m. | Eastwood Park, 1001 S. Ponca | Bishop Creek Watershed Discussion with Red Earth Group Sierra Club

Join City of Norman Staffer Michelle Chao and Volunteer Karen Chapman to talk about one of our special watersheds and its protection and management plan!

 

SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2024

  • 9 a.m. | LEAF Site, 333 Bratcher Miner Road | Intro into Honeybees & Beekeeping

Learn about the four honeybee hives at the Learning and Environmental Advancement Facility (LEAF) and get a basic introduction to beekeeping!

 

POLLINATOR SCAVENGER HUNT

Pollinator Week participants can also join in a pollinator scavenger hunt and win prizes. Cards can be picked up at the Development Center (225 N. Webster), downloaded online at Normanok.gov/media/19834 or picked up at any of the scheduled events. Each person who turns in a card will receive a pollinator plant. Every completed card will be entered into a drawing for the grand prize: a pollinator garden made of up to 10 plants. Other great prizes include local honey, Monarchs in the Park shirts, and more!

Questions about Pollinator Week may be directed to 405-292-9731. Visit GreenNorman.org for more information.

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