Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation is participating in the national Parks for Pollinators campaign, which is aimed at raising public awareness of the importance of pollinators and positioning parks as national leaders in advancing pollinator health. Organized by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, the Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz event is held during September.
Pollinators are a vital component of our ecosystem, and an essential link to the world’s food supply. According to the White House’s Pollinators Health Task Force, during the last 30 years, the United States has seen a steady decline of pollinators (such as bees, bats and butterflies) at an alarming rate of 30 percent annually — making it vital to take action on pollinator protection.
What is a BioBlitz?
An event that focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time to create a snapshot of an area’s biodiversity.
How do YOU participate with us?
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Other BioBlitz activities
• BioBlitz Hoopla: Throw a hula hoop in your backyard or at your local park, then spend some time trying to find all the living things in that circle.
• BioBlitz Nature Walk: Go for a walk in your backyard or at your local park, then spend some time trying to find plants and living things, like bugs and birds.
• BioBlitz Journaling: Anytime you're out in nature, record what you see and hear, from birds singing to ants on a tree, write or draw it in your journal.
• Make a Hummingbird Feeder: To attract and support resident and migrating hummingbirds, you can easily put up a hummingbird feeder or even make one at home! Nectar: You first want to make a sugar solution which will serve as the nectar. Simply dissolve half a cup of refined sugar in four cups of purified water. Feeder: You can make a homemade feeder using old coffee canisters! If you use a red coffee canister, it should be ready to go. However, if you use another color, it might be helpful to paint it red to attract the hummingbirds. Cut two holes in the sides of the coffee canister and hang it from a tree in the shade using rope or twine. Be sure to add the nectar to the feeder. Once it’s hanging in the air, you only have to watch and wait! Keep an eye on the nectar supply and clean frequently.
Share your BioBlitz activity results with us! Send your photos and stories to us in a Facebook or Instagram message (follow us @pbcparks) or by email to pbcparks@pbcgov.org and we'll feature your photos and stories on our social media!