Three Lakes will host a series of pollinator-friendly events in honor of National Pollinator Week which is being celebrated June 22-28.

“National Pollinator Week began on June 22, and it’s all about the birds and the bees and the
butterflies that are essential for pollinating our food crops,” said Baerbel Ehrig, pollinator coordinator for Oneida County Land and Water Conservation.

“This is a time to celebrate and raise awareness about the essential role pollinators play in our ecosystems, food supply, and communities. Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, bats, and other pollinators help plants reproduce and support the production of many fruits, vegetables, and nuts we rely on every day. This week encourages individuals, organizations, and communities to take action to protect pollinators and their habitats for future generations,” Ehrig added.

Three Lakes’ Natural Resources Committee is hosting a tour of three recently established wildflower pollinator beds this Sunday, June 28, from noon to 3 p.m. to wrap up National Pollinator Week.

Tours begin at the Healing Nature Center at 7126 Military Road in Three Lakes, where guests will look at the center’s bee lawn and native flower-lined labyrinth.

Next, they will journey to the 3-acre native prairie planting at James Lake Farms, located at 1075 S Big Lake Loop, before finishing at the pollinator garden at the Three Lakes Center for the Arts, 1760 Superior St. in downtown Three Lakes.

“Information and instructions for establishing your own pollinator wildflower plantings will be shared, so bring your questions,” Ehrig said.

Organizers of the event noted that transportation will not be provided, but tour guides will be available at each stop. Registration is not required. For more information, contact Tamarack Song at 715-401-3881 or John Stauner at 715-421-6510.

In addition to the guided tours, the Healing Nature Center also will host an open house from 1 to 5 p.m., where visitors can take guided tours, explore the barefoot trail, shop in the gift shop, see the on-site human-sized nest and explore other amenities offered by the center. More information can be found online at healingnaturecenter.org or by calling 715-891-1018.

About pollinators

According to the Wisconsin DNR, most of Wisconsin’s pollinators are bees (Wisconsin has over 400 native species, including 20 bumble bee species), butterflies and moths. Wisconsin’s pollinators also include hummingbirds and some beetles and flies.

These animals and other pollinators visit flowering plants and transfer pollen from flower to flower. This practice helps plants grow fruits and seeds, and encourages genetic diversity.
“Wisconsin is an important part of the remaining habitat for the federally endangered rusty patched bumble bee, and we’re the state with the largest remaining population of Karner blue butterflies,” said Jay Watson, DNR insect ecologist. “Between these two rare insects and the hundreds of other pollinators in Wisconsin, caring for natural areas and our lawns and gardens can help. Whether you become a volunteer or practice lawn care that’s free from pesticides, there are small ways anyone can help.”

In addition to supporting rare pollinators, flowering plants provide food to common pollinators, other insects, people and wildlife. They also support healthy ecosystems that clean the air and stabilize soil. Despite the importance of native pollinators, many are facing population declines.

People can follow some simple guidelines to help make their yard a pollinator-friendly space. Gardeners are urged to plant native plants and trees.

“Early blooming trees are an important food source for bumble bee queens emerging from hibernation and many other insects, which in turn provide food for birds and bats,” Watson said. “Flowers that bloom throughout the growing season, like columbine, bee balm and goldenrod, fill your garden with colors for months while providing food to pollinators.”

He also recommends adding host plants for butterfly larvae that work with the sun and soil in your yard. “Many butterflies depend on specific plants for their lifecycles, like milkweeds (monarchs), violets (meadow fritillary) or dill, fennel and parsley (black swallowtails).”

When inclement weather strikes, pollinators need shelter. Maintaining brush and leaf piles and avoiding trimming hollow-stemmed plants throughout the winter can provide areas of needed respite or overwintering.

Importantly, maintaining a yard that is free from pesticides and herbicides is key. “Insecticides can harm or kill pollinators, and herbicides can kill the plants they need to survive,” Watson added.

The DNR offers a number of volunteer and support opportunities, and also encourages residents to support pollinator conservation efforts with a donation to the Endangered Resources Fund.