Two events surrounding pollinators are being held in the coming weeks. Pollinators are vital to food production all over the world. In Maine, examples of well-known pollinators include butterflies, birds, beetles and, of course, bees.
In June, the Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District worked with local volunteers to plant a Pollinator Sunflower Garden, a garden space for the public to enjoy, observe and learn about native pollinators. In celebration of this new addition to the Law Farm, the PCSWCD will hold a free pollinators event from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, Aug. 16, at the Law Farm in Dover-Foxcroft.
The PCSWCD is hosting Maine State Apiarist Jennifer Lund for a morning of fun and learning for this event. Lund will share facts and information about native pollinators and there will also be a pollinator-themed story time in the center of the garden. Afterwards, participants can join guests and PCSWCD staff for a “Pollinator Search & Find” at the farm.
RSVP is required to attend. For information, call 207-564-2321 ext. 3, email info@piscataquisswcd.org, visit www.piscataquisswcd.org or www.facebook.com/www.piscataquisswcd.org.
In Falmouth, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Falmouth Land Trust will host a pollinator day from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at the University of Maine Gardens at Tidewater Farm, Farm Gate Road.
The free, public event features hands-on activities focused on the vital role pollinators play in the food system as well as information about how to support pollinator populations.
UMaine Extension master gardener volunteers will lead tours and Biodiversity Research Institute staff will highlight birds and bats as pollinators. A scavenger hunt and drawing contest will be offered, as will local honey-thyme ice cream.
For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact 207-781-6099 or email pamela.hargest@maine.edu.
