Compiled by Paula Dittrick, TMNCPC blogmaster, from news releases from Houston Arboretum and Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz
Pollinators are a vital part of the ecosystem. The Houston Arboretum participated in this year’s Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz, a national campaign to raise awareness and community involvement in the pollinator crisis.
The Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz observations are hosted on iNaturalist during September. The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation asked local parks to get involved.
The Houston Arboretum said more than 350 observations of 130+ species of flowering plants and pollinators were reported as of Sept. 24, noting three more days remained of the BioBlitz.
Photo by Paula Dittrick
The White House’s Pollinators Health Task Force reports the United States has experienced an estimated annual 30% decline in pollinators for 30 years, NRPA said. Pollinators include bees, bats, and butterflies.
Citizen-science events, like a BioBlitz, enable community members and park agencies to work together to document, analyze, and protect their local pollinators.