How do pollinators affect your life? Well, if you’ve ever eaten a blueberry, chocolate bar or tomato, you can thank a pollinator. Pollinators are birds, bats, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, wasps, small mammals, and most importantly, bees. They are responsible for pollinating one out of every three bites of food we eat. But these invaluable creatures are facing declines. That’s why USDA agencies, other federal departments and partners share knowledge and collaborate on efforts to help increase awareness and tackle challenges facing pollinators.
Last month, USDA launched a webcam that is literally buzzing with activity at the People's Garden Apiary, located here on the roof of USDA headquarters in Washington, DC. Observing these social insects at #USDABeeWatch is fascinating and addicting. If you’ve been watching then you probably have a lot of questions about honey bee behavior and beekeeping. Meet our Beekeepers Nathan Rice and Andy Ulsamer virtually on Friday at Noon and ask them questions about what you’re seeing. Tweet to us @USDA and use #USDABeeWatch. Feel free to send your questions ahead of time, and we will respond to as many as possible during the chat.
And that’s not all. You and your family can learn how to support and protect pollinators of all kinds at the fifth annual Pollinator Week Festival at USDA on Friday, June 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at USDA’s Farmers Market in Washington, DC along 12th Street between Jefferson Drive and Independence Avenue, SW. Buzz on over to learn from experts, watch live bees, participate in pollinator-friendly activities, and see what efforts, big and small, you can take in your own backyard to help pollinators.
USDA’s People’s Garden Initiative is pleased to host the Pollinator Week Festival with Pollinator Partnership. National Pollinator Week, June 16-22, events are happening all over the country. Find an event in your area!
