Governor Laura Kelly has officially proclaimed June 22–28, 2026, as Kansas Pollinator Week. The declaration, made at the request of the Shawnee County Extension Master Gardeners (SCEMG), highlights the critical role pollinators play in Kansas agriculture, healthy ecosystems, and overall quality of life.
Why Pollinators Matter
Pollinators—including bees, butterflies, moths, bats, beetles, and hummingbirds—are essential to our food system and environment:
- Nearly 90% of all flowering plants rely on them for reproduction.
- 75% of crop species depend on pollinators.
- Approximately 35% of the global food supply comes from bee and insect pollination.
Unfortunately, pollinator populations continue to decline due to habitat loss, pesticide use, introduced diseases, and climate change. Pollinator Week serves as an important annual reminder (both nationally through the Pollinator Partnership and at the state level) to raise awareness and encourage action.
Local Events and Education from SCEMG
The Shawnee County Extension Master Gardeners will use the week to share research-based educational content with the public. Highlights include:
- Daily informational posts throughout the week on the Friends of SCEMG Facebook page.
- Tuesday, June 23, 6:00 PM – Wildflower walk at Grant Bradbury Prairie.
- Thursday, June 25, 10:00 AM – Noon – “Make Your Own Wildflower Seed Bombs” event in partnership with the Topeka Zoo, held in front of the Shawnee County Extension Office (1740 SW Western Avenue, Topeka).
These hands-on activities provide practical ways for residents, homeowners, local governments, and businesses to support pollinator habitats.
Quote from the proclamation context: “We know that if everyone – home-owners, local governments, national governments, and private industry – make the effort we can change the future for pollinators and help secure our own.”
For more information, contact:
- Lane Wiens, Horticulture Agent
- Phone: 785-232-0062, ext. 104
- Email: lwwiens@ksu.edu
This is a great opportunity for Topeka and Shawnee County residents to get involved in simple, impactful conservation steps—whether planting pollinator-friendly gardens, reducing pesticide use, or attending the local events. Supporting pollinators strengthens our local agriculture, biodiversity, and long-term environmental health.