5 ways to celebrate Pollinator Week in the Portland region

June 23, 2020, 2:52 p.m.

Hummingbirds, bumblebees and butterflies are among the most adorable of all charismatic microfauna, and they also all happen to be pollinators. If that's not sufficient cause for celebration, how about this: One out of every three bites of food that we eat comes from a plant that was pollinated by an animal.

National Pollinator Week is June 22 – 28, 2020. Here are five ways to celebrate in the Portland area.

1. Run surveillance on bumble bees

Get involved with Xerces Society's Pacific Northwest Bumblebee Atlas, a collaborative community science effort to track and conserve bumble bees. Sign up and upload bumblebee photos to help scientists learn more about these important pollinators, or officially adopt a grid cell and participate in more formal surveys. `

2. Help natural areas go native

By volunteering at Metro's Native Plant Center in Tualatin, you can help propagate native plants used to replace invasive species, provide food for pollinators and create wildlife habitat at restoration sites throughout the region.

3. Make your yard pollinator-friendly

Grow Smart ranks hundreds of products to take the guesswork out of finding nontoxic yard solutions, and includes tips on how to conserve water, attract beneficial wildlife and keep a kid-friendly yard. Want to attract beneficial bugs to your yard so they'll handle the pest control for you? Here are some great tips.

4. Landscape your property with wildlife-friendly plants

Eliminating invasive weeds and including wildlife-friendly plants in your backyard or landscaping provides excellent food and shelter for the birds, amphibians, pollinators and other species native to your area. Many native plants also thrive without the need for much care, saving water, energy, time and money, all while showcasing the natural beauty in your region. Learn more.

5. Support the Oregon Zoo's efforts to save endangered pollinators

Financially support and advance the Oregon Zoo's on-the-ground efforts to fight extinction for rare pollinators and many other species. Donate here.