Celebrating Native Bees: Why Pollinator Week Matters More Than Ever

Every June, communities across the United States and beyond come together to celebrate Pollinator Week—a time dedicated to recognizing the essential role that pollinators play in our ecosystems, food systems, and daily lives. Among the most important of these pollinators are native bees, a diverse group of species that often go unnoticed but are vital to both wild landscapes and agriculture.

This year, Illinois has something special to celebrate: the Black and Gold Bumble Bee has been designated as the State Bee. Seeing one is easy, as they’re common in DuPage County and can be found in gardens, parks, and preserves. Look for this large bee when you hear a loud buzz described as the sound of a helicopter flying by.

Pollinator Week is more than just a symbolic observance; it’s a call to action. Native bee populations are facing serious threats from habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and disease. As natural habitats are replaced by residential and commercial development, these bees lose access to the diverse flowers and nesting sites they depend on.

There are a variety of ways for helping pollinators: planting native trees, shrubs, and flowers; reducing the size of a lawn and replacing it with bee- and butterfly-friendly gardens; and avoiding the use of pesticides, which are lethal to both pests and pollinators. Adopting a more relaxed and natural style of gardening creates places where bees and butterflies can safely nest and spend the winter.

Everyone is welcome to attend Behind the Scenes with Monarchs and Native Bumble Bees, a DuPage Monarch Project program about the ways of helping bees and butterflies thrive in a suburban landscape.

As awareness grows, so does the opportunity to support and protect native bees. Pollinator Week serves as both a celebration and a reminder: the health of our planet is closely tied to the health of its native pollinators.

Protecting pollinators isn’t just about conservation—it’s about sustaining the intricate web of life that depends on them.

For more information about Pollinator Week visit Pollinator Partnership.

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