Gov. Ricketts proclaims June 17-23 Nebraska Pollinator Week

Gov. Pete Ricketts has proclaimed that June 17-23 is Nebraska Pollinator Week, underscoring the importance of pollinators to our ecosystems, businesses and everyday lives.

Pollinators, which include bees, hummingbirds, beetles, butterflies, flies and other species, help pollinate more than 75 percent of our flowering plants. Pollinators help plants reproduce by carrying pollen from one plant to another.

“Pollinators are vital to both our economy and our health,” said Alie Mayes, a watchable wildlife biologist at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. “Pollination is required for the production of many of the foods we eat. Everything from apples to almonds and coffee to chocolate is possible because of pollinators.”

Nebraska Pollinator Week is part of a nationwide effort to celebrate and raise awareness about pollinators and their conservation. As part of this effort, organizations across the state are hosting pollinator-related events all week long.