June is recognized as National Pollinator Month and Pollinator Partnership designated June 21-27, 2021 as National Pollinator Week. This week is an annual celebration supporting pollinator health due to their declining populations. Pollinators such as bees, birds, butterflies and more provide valuable ecosystem services.
The Park District of Franklin Park has made efforts to aid the Monarch butterfly, which include a number of milkweed plants in the district. Discovery Day Campers planted milkweed this week at Little Pearl, Elder, North & Ruby Addison Parks.
Recently, Preschool, Playschool and Park District Staff participated in a community project called Prevent Pollinator Extinction People. Participants were given Monarch kits and followed the step-by-step instructions to stratify milkweed seeds. Monarch kits are available for pick-up at the Community Center as part of the initiative.
Part of the Park District’s mission is to educate our community on environmental concerns. Education takes places during community events and early childhood programs such as summer camps and preschool. As we continue our pollinator protection efforts with a newly formed committee, stay tuned for more educational opportunities.