New Hanover County Parks and Gardens is spreading the word this month about the importance of pollinating animals to the ecosystem.
The department has two BioBlitz events planned as part of the Parks for Pollinators national campaign, which is aimed at raising public awareness about the importance of pollinators and positioning parks as leaders in advancing pollinator health and native habitats.
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The first will be 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the Cape Fear Museum Park. Registering online before the event is suggested.
The second will take place 9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, at Smith Creek Park. Register online.
The BioBlitz programs are free and suitable for all ages.
“Pollinators are important to our entire ecosystem, so taking steps to protect them is critical for the health and wellbeing of our community,” Tara Duckworth, New Hanover County Parks and Gardens director, said in a statement “These BioBlitz events will help us understand how we can all better protect pollinators and other important wildlife in our community, and they will engage more citizens in this effort. We also want people to explore parks they haven’t been to before and we hope this fun and interactive program will allow them to do that.”
The event is being organized by the National Recreation and Park Association and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation.
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Pollinators are a vital component of the world’s ecosystem and an essential link in the global food supply.
During the last 30 years, the United States has seen a steady decline of pollinators, such as bees, bats and butterflies, at an alarming rate of 30% annually, making it crucial to take action on pollinator protection, According to the White House’s Pollinators Health Task Force.
Participants may join the New Hanover County Parks and Gardens team on the INaturalist app and then upload photos taken on their own of plants, insects and animals during the month of September as well as at the BioBlitz events.
