Next Monday marks the beginning of National Pollinator Awareness Week, an important time dedicated to recognizing and supporting the vital role that pollinators play in our ecosystems.
In celebration of this week, a dedicated advocacy group in Colorado is organizing a special flower planting drive aimed at rejuvenating the state’s meadows, gardens and perhaps even inspiring its younger residents.
Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), established through a constitutional amendment in 1992, plays a crucial role in preserving and enhancing Colorado’s natural landscapes. This independent, state-funded board allocates a portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds towards the conservation and improvement of parks, trails, wildlife habitats, rivers, and open spaces across the state.
This year, an initiative led by GOCO’s subsidiary, Generation Wild, is spearheading a significant effort to distribute over 100,000 free packets of wildflower seeds. These packets are available at various collection points, including museums, Denver Parks and Recreation offices, and libraries throughout Colorado. The goal is to encourage children and families to plant these seeds in their own backyards, contributing to the beautification and ecological diversity of their local environments.
The initiative, aptly named “Save the Bees!”, aims to enhance the state’s natural beauty while fostering a more ecologically diverse and pollinator-friendly environment.
A recent report from the Colorado Department of Natural Resources highlights the urgency of this mission, revealing that 20% of Colorado’s bumblebee species are currently at risk of extinction. Even small efforts, such as planting wildflowers in a backyard, can significantly benefit the local ecosystem by providing native bees with a healthy and supportive habitat.
GOCO Executive Director, Jackie Miller, said, “The Western Bumblebee population has declined in Colorado by 72%, and we’re calling on kids across Colorado to ‘bee’ the change.”
“Through this effort, kids will be empowered to improve the environment and learn firsthand what helps our local ecosystems thrive. Most importantly, they’ll be outside engaging with nature in a fun and personal way,” she added in the statement.
The wildflower seed packets, named the Wilderflower Seed Mix in honor of Generation Wild’s mascot “Wilder,” were developed in collaboration with Applewood Seed Co.
These packets can be picked up at various partner sites, including more than 80 Little Free Library boxes across the state. By distributing these 100,000 packets, Generation Wild is ensuring that more than 56 million seeds are planted throughout Colorado, promoting the growth of native flora that is crucial for sustaining local wildlife.
The seeds included in the Wilderflower packets are regionally native to Colorado, an essential factor for maintaining the state’s living landscapes. Native plants play a critical role in supporting local pollinators such as bees and birds. Moreover, by choosing flower species that are well-adapted to Colorado’s unique Mile High climate, gardeners and landscapers can reduce their water usage compared to tending non-native plants, contributing to more sustainable gardening practices.
Norm Poppe, CEO of Applewood Seed Co., expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Applewood Seed Co. was excited to jump in and help Generation Wild identify a seed mix that is native to the Colorado region and the American West, containing a diversity of flower species to attract and support Colorado’s pollinator populations. We hope efforts like this continue to educate the public on pollinator conservation and the need to protect our native bees and butterflies.”
In her concluding remarks, Jackie Miller reaffirmed the benefits of outdoor activities for children, stating that spending time outside significantly contributes to their overall development.
For those interested in participating in the Save the Bees! Initiative, all necessary information, including a map of local pickup points for the Wilderflower Seed Packets, can be found on the Generation Wild website.
This initiative not only aims to educate the younger generation about the importance of pollinators but also actively involves them in conversation efforts. By planting these seeds, children and their families will play a direct role in enhancing their local ecosystems, learning valuable lessons about environmental stewardship along the way.
As National Pollinator Awareness Week kicks off, this collaborative effort between GOCO, Generation Wild, and Applewood Seed Co. serves as an inspiring example of community action for the betterment of our natural world.
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