Bees are exceptional pollinators and play a crucial role in maintaining both natural ecosystems and agricultural productivity worldwide. [Photo by AI]
At the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, September 10, September was designated as Pollinator Month. This aligns with the national Parks for Pollinators initiative, aiming to raise awareness about the crucial role pollinators play in supporting our environment and sustaining human life.
During September, the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department is urging residents and visitors to take part in the annual Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz campaign. This involves using the iNaturalist smartphone app, which is free. Participants are tasked with observing pollinators and their habitats, taking photos, and sharing them through the app. This helps in capturing a snapshot of the county’s biodiversity and supporting conservation efforts.
“Pollinators are essential to the ecosystems that our parks safeguard and nurture. With over 110 parks and facilities that maintain a balance between native habitats and public recreation, we are dedicated to protecting pollinators through various initiatives such as butterfly gardens, bat houses, bird nesting boxes, honey bee hives, and integrated pest management,” stated Jennifer Cirillo, Director of Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation.
Bees, bats, birds and butterflies are crucial for biodiversity, food production and healthy ecosystems. The White House’s Pollinator Health Task Force reports that U.S. pollinator populations have been decreasing by 30% annually over the past three decades, underscoring the importance of public awareness and conservation.
Residents and visitors are urged to explore nature centers, plant native pollinator plants at home, responsibly relocate and save bees, and support local parks and natural habitats. These actions can have a significant impact on the future of pollinators in our county.
For more details about Pollinator Month events and how to participate in the Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz, please visit www.pbcparks.com or call (561) 966-6600.
