Click here for a graphical calendar of events, or read below for a full description:
Pollinator Art Show
The Champaign Urbana Pollinator Awareness Network is seeking artwork for the opening ceremony of National Pollinator Week! Artists of all ages and abilities are encouraged to submit work in any type of media.
• Information and Call for Artwork
• Registration Form
Pollinator Art Show/Kickoff Event
U of I Plant Biology Greenhouses (directions)
Sunday, June 22, 2:00-5:00 PM
Activities will kick off with an opening ceremony on Sunday, June 22,
from 2:00-5:00pm, at the Plant Biology Conservatory on the University
of Illinois campus, and will feature a pollinator art exhibit,
a pollinator-themed ventriloquism act and
magic show,
tours of the conservatory, and information on how
local organizations are working to conserve pollinators in our
community. Dr. May Berenbaum, head of the department of Entomology,
will welcome the community and speak about the purpose of National
Pollinator Week.
How to Photograph Bees and Other Pollinators
Anita Purves Nature Center
Monday, June 23, 7:00-8:00 PM
Learn how to photograph bees and insect pollinators in nature. Especially for naturalists and insect enthusiasts, the presentation will demonstrate camera setup and technique. The instructor will also be on hand on Tuesday from 12:00-1:00 PM at the Ideas Garden in the University of Illinois Arboretum to guide participants as they take pictures of the local pollinators. Photographers of all skill levels are welcome.
Guided Nature Walks
Meadowbrook Park, Race Street Entrance
Sunday, June 22, 9:00-10:30 AM
and
Thursday, June 26, 9:00-10:30 AM
and
Saturday, June 28, 9:00-10:30 AM
Discover the interconnected relationships between the native
pollinators and plants of central Illinois. Plant biologists and
entomologists from the University of Illinois will guide participants
on a tour of the world of pollination in the restored prairie of
Meadowbrook. A great introduction to the *who, what, where, when and
why* of pollinators.
Children's Discovery Program (Urbana)
Urbana Free Library
Monday, June 23, 2:00-3:00 PM
Contact the Children's Desk at 217-367-4069 for more info.
Children's Discovery Program (Champaign)
Champaign Public Library, Robeson Pavilion, Rooms A & B
Tuesday, June 24, 2:00-3:00 PM
Native Bee Identification Workshop
Champaign Public Library, Robeson Pavilion, Room C
Saturday, June 28, 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Must pre-register by June 24th!
Click here for registration info
Learn to identify the different types of pollinating bees that visit your garden and parks. Workshop will include a lecture on the types of bees found in Illinois and hands-on training with identification guides. Lead by renowned bee researchers from the University of Illinois.
BeeSpotter Workshop
Urbana Free Library, Auditorium
Wednesday, June 25, 6:30-7:30 PM
BeeSpotter is an online monitoring effort based at the University of
Illinois that partners citizen scientists with the professional
scientific community in order to educate about honey bees and bumble
bees and to contribute data to nationwide efforts establishing
baseline information on the status of pollinators. Participants in the
workshop will receive instruction on navigating the BeeSpotter website
and hands-on training with the bumble bee identification keys. The
workshop will also address identifying bee mimics, creating a
bee-friendly garden, and using BeeSpotter in the classroom and with
the public.
Scavenger Hunt at the Farmer's Market
Market at the Square, Urbana
Saturday, June 28, 7:00 AM-12:00 PM
Visit our booth at the Urbana Farmer's Market to learn about the status of pollinator in North America and how you can help. Then participate in our pollinator-product scavenger hunt throughout the market and enter in a drawing for pollinator-themed prizes.