A silver poplar north of Genoa grew a beard of bees on in April 2021.
Photo by Kurt Hildebrand.
During Pollinator Week each June, we are invited to acknowledge and celebrate the crucial role that bats, bees, beetles, birds, butterflies, moths and other creatures play in our food systems, landscape, agricultural economy, and environment.
Pollinator Partnership (pollinator.org) says pollinator populations “…sustain our ecosystems and produce our natural resources by helping plants reproduce” and that they are directly responsible for providing one out of every three bites of food we consume.
County Commissioners proclaimed June 16-22 as Pollinator Week in Douglas County, and the University of Nevada, Reno-Douglas Extension has a number of events planned in recognition of the occasion (https://extension.unr.edu/program.aspx?ID=350).
During Pollinator Week, all ages can take part in a citizen science initiative to help document and raise awareness of pollinator populations in Douglas County. Participants are invited to photograph and record pollinators in their natural habitats and upload that data to their iNaturalist account via smartphone, tablet, or web (the iNaturalist app is available through the iTunes app store or Google Play store).
Observations can be taken anywhere in Douglas County including yards, local parks and trails, gardens, and open spaces, and data can be added to the app throughout the duration of the week.
Visit events.unr.edu and search for the June 16 listing, Northern Nevada Pollinator Week-Bug & Flower Hunt 2025, for more information.
Also on, the Douglas County Public Library hosts a screening of the PBS film, “My Garden of a Thousand Bees.” The movie runs from 5-6:30 p.m. June 16. There is no charge to attend. The Minden library is located at 1625 Library Lane.
On June 18, join UNR Extension Master Gardeners for a free educational talk at Heritage Park Gardens. These Q+A sessions are held 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays during the growing season (except for Wind Down Wednesdays on June 25, July 23, Aug. 27, Sept. 24, and Oct. 15) at 1461 Ezell Street in Gardnerville. Topics vary, and attendees are encouraged to bring a chair and a friend.
The Northern Nevada Pollinator Garden Tour takes place from 8:30-11:30 a.m. June 22. Attendees can peruse a number of public pollinator gardens in Gardnerville, Minden, Carson City, and Reno to admire the flowers and learn more about how pollinators contribute to our ecosystem. Each location will have a docent on hand to answer questions and provide information on establishing your own pollinator-friendly garden.
The garden tour is free, but registration is required through Eventbrite at eventbrite.com/e/northern-nevada-pollinator-garden-tour-tickets-1344668001189?aff=oddtdtcreator. Registrants will receive a map of participating locations and other detailed instructions.
For more information about these and other events, visit the UNR Douglas Extension web page, extension.unr.edu/douglas.aspx or find them on Facebook.