June is National Pollinator Month! Culminating with Pollinator Week June 22-28, this month is a celebration of the diverse wildlife that are essential to healthy habitats. Not only are insects like bees, butterflies, beetles, flies, and wasps important pollinators, but so are birds, like the Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris). These animals move from flower to flower, feeding on the sweet nectar and protein-rich pollen, enabling plant reproduction along the way. Without pollinators, our gardens would not produce many of our favorite fruits and veggies, nor would we see blooming wildflowers in our forests, prairies, and grasslands. Like many wildlife in Arkansas, pollinators are declining across the state due to habitat loss and degradation as well as pesticide use and invasive species. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to support pollinators.
Plant Native
One of the best ways to help pollinators is to plant native blooming wildflowers where you live, work, learn, play and worship. Even small spaces like apartment balconies or container gardens can provide essential source of food, cover, and a place to raise young. Because many native bees and other pollinators are adapted to specific wildflower species, it is best to plant a variety of flower shapes, sizes, and colors. Check out these resources for more information about planting with natives.
Participate in Citizen Science
Put your curiosity to work for pollinators! Citizen science is the collecting of research data by the general public in order to advance scientific understanding. By collecting data for pollinator related projects, you can directly contribute to the effort to better conserve and protect these important species. This is especially important for some native pollinators which are listed in the Arkansas Wildlife Action Plan as species of greatest conservation need, like the mourning cloak butterfly (Nymphalis antiopa) and the Southern Plains bumble bee (Bombus fraternus), to name a few. Citizen science is a crucial tool for directing conservation efforts of these and similarly threatened pollinators. There are many active citizen science projects on iNaturalist, as well as others focused on Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) and bumble bees.
Certify Your Yard
June is a great time to make your yard a Certified Wildlife Habitat! By providing food, water, cover, and places to raise young, you are creating habitat for hundreds of wildlife species, including pollinators. In addition, this month you can receive 20% off your total when you certify and purchase any Certified Wildlife Habitat sign. This is a limited-time offer available online from June 1 – June 30, 2026.
Attend a Pollinator Program in Your Area
Communities across the state are hosting special events in honor of Pollinator Month. Join us and Quail Forever for the third annual Pollinator Palooza from 9-1 on Saturday, June 13 at Lake Conway WMA (formerly Camp Robinson SUA) near Mayflower. This free and open event will have a native plant sale, guided habitat tours, and expert biologists on site to answer visitor questions.
We are also excited to kick off Pollinator Palooza on Friday, June 12 with a special presentation about the Night Sounds of Arkansas Wildlife during the Habitat After Hours program, featuring a light trap demonstration showcasing native nocturnal pollinators. Space is limited and registration is required.
Support Wildlife Conservation for AWF’s 90th Anniversary
Since 1936, Arkansas Wildlife Federation has worked to ensure a thriving future for Arkansas wildlife (including pollinators!). As we celebrate our 90th Anniversary, we are looking at the current challenges facing wildlife today and into the future. Through our advocacy efforts and community engagement programs, we are moving the needle for wildlife in the Natural State. Become a member to support our work to conserve pollinators and their habitats throughout Arkansas!
