County Celebrates Local Pollinators with Library Events and Resources
Leon County Government explores pollination and the essential role pollinators play in the natural world with #PlantWildflowers events and resources at the Leon County Public Library from April 22 through May 31. A wildflower scavenger hunt, topical book lists and thought-provoking films give citizens the opportunity to learn more about wildflowers, birds, bees, insects, and gardening.
In addition to these in-person and digital resources, citizens are encouraged to attend the County’s upcoming #PlantWildflowers events.
- #PlantWildflowers Kickoff: Plant a Pollinator Garden, Friday, April 22, all Library locations – Kick off our #PlantWildflowers program by planting your own pollinator garden! This self-guided activity gives residents the opportunity to plant wildflower seeds in soil and a biodegradable cup then watch your garden grow.
- Smithsonian Pollination Investigation Exhibit, May 1-31, downtown Main Library – In this exhibit, explore the who, what, when, where, why, and how of pollination, and the essential role that pollinators play in the natural world. Pollination Investigation was created by Smithsonian Gardens in collaboration with the National Museum of Natural History and made available by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. It is funded in part by the Smithsonian Women's Committee.
- BioBlitz Week: Become a Citizen Scientist, May 9-13 – Become a citizen scientist by observing and collecting plant and animal data during BioBlitz Week by downloading the iNaturalist app from the App Store and Google Play Store. This self-guided activity can be completed in your neighborhood, at a Leon County library or park, or at any of your favorite outdoor locations.
- What’s the Buzz?: All About Bees with Tom Hogg, Saturday, May 21 at 3 p.m., downtown Main Library – Tom Hogg, owner of Full Moon Farms, an apiary in Monticello, Florida, will discuss the process of pollination and how pollination and bees are essential to the survival of human beings and Earth’s ecosystems. The Leon County Office of Sustainability will also be on hand to discuss the County's pollinator-friendly practices and tell the wholesome story of relocating bees from the Solid Waste Facility to Second Harvest of the Big Bend to support their sustainability vision.
- My Garden of a Thousand Bees Documentary Screening, Tuesday, May 24 at 6:30 p.m., all Library locations – In the 2021 documentary My Garden of a Thousand Bees, follow wildlife filmmaker Martin Dohrn as he explores the bees in his urban garden and discovers the many diverse species and personalities that exist in this insect family. The film is presented in partnership with Tangled Bank Studios and PBS.
- Pollination Celebration with Mark Tancig, Saturday, May 28 at 10 a.m., Woodville Branch Library – Mark Tancig of UF/IFAS Extension Leon County will discuss how pollinator communities directly affect human beings and help participants identify plants and animals. Attendees are encouraged to observe and collect plant and animal data outside the library during this in-person BioBlitz event.
Free BioBlitz activity bags with bee ID cards, packets of wildflower seeds, bookmarks, and other materials will be available at all Library locations from May 9-13 while supplies last.
See a complete list of resources, activities, and events at LeonCountyLibrary.org/PlantWildflowers.
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