Pollinator Week is an annual, international celebration of pollinator health. Celebrate pollinators with Pitt and spread the word about what we can do to protect pollinators worldwide.
More than 70% of flowering plant species rely on insects, birds, bats, and other animals to transport their pollen grains from plant to plant for fertilization. About 30% of the human diet is delivered by pollinators! Pollinator week is the perfect time to learn about, celebrate, and protect our pollinators.
From June 19-25, join Pitt in elevating our native pollinators by engaging with us on social media, visiting one of our pollinator gardens on campus, or attending an event!
What are Pollinators?
Pollinators are a Keystone Species – meaning that many other species of animals and plants rely on them to survive. They are also an Indicator Species – meaning that their health and survival reflects the health of their ecosystem.
- Bee pollinating flower
- Pieris brassicae, the large white, also called cabbage butterfly
- Red ladybug sitting on a green leaf
- Beetle
- Hummingbird flying and feeding
- The small emperor moth (Saturnia pavonia)
Learn more about Pollinators at Pitt:
As a part of our Landscape & Ecology goals, Pitt has committed to protect existing pollinators and create spaces on campus where pollinator communities can grow and thrive. As part of the Pitt Sustainability Plan, we aim to increase tree canopy 50%, maintaining 75% of landscaped areas in accordance with Northeast Organic Farming Association Standards, and replacing 15% of the lawn area with indigenous and adapted plant species by 2030. Read more in our 2018-2022 Progress Report on the Pitt Sustainability Plan to see where we are now on these goals.
Pitt Bee Campus: As of June 2020, the University of Pittsburgh is a certified Bee Campus USA!
Pollinator Habitat Committee: Pollinator Habitat Advisory Committee was created to help make our campus environment more supportive of healthy, native pollinator populations.
Pollinators at Pitt: Learn more about pollinators and the overall efforts Pitt is making to improve our campus for Pollinators.
Pollinators at Home: Check out these helpful tips to make your backyard pollinator friendly and a guide to create your own pollinator garden!
Pollinator Week 2022: See how we celebrated Pollinator Week last year!
Pitt Events
June 7: Introducing Bees to Kids | Virtual | 12-1 pm
- In this workshop, Meghan Orman, a graduate student at Pitt, former Montessori preschool teacher, and Master Beekeeper, will discuss the roles bees play in our ecosystem and how to introduce these important species to children and adolescents in developmentally appropriate ways. The talk will include lessons and resources for exploring topics further.
June 20: Bumble Bees Across Borders | Virtual | 1-2pm
- Joined by two bumble bee experts from the U.S. and Iceland, In this webinar, Dr. Russell and Dr. Kristjánsson will cover the life cycle and importance of bumble bees locally and globally, what kinds of bumble bees you can find in the U.S. and Iceland, and how to support bumble bee populations in both countries.
June 21: Make a Splash: Creative Butterfly Puddlers | C4C | 12-1 pm
- Celebrate these environmental powerhouses during Pollinator Week with the Center for Creativity and Pitt Sustainability. Make your own backyard butterfly puddler using a variety of recycled materials and give native butterflies the nutrients they need to keep the region growing. All materials provided.
June 23: Pollinators and Rainy Days: Designing a Native Rain Garden at Home | Virtual | 12-1 pm
- This workshop by Greg Null, Assistant Director for Assessment and Accreditation at the School of Medicine and a member of Pitt’s Pollinator Habitat Advisory Committee, will focus on the value of rain gardens in our yards as way to create natural habitat for pollinators while filtering storm water. Site design elements, plant lists, ongoing maintenance, and tax credits will also be discussed. Greg will use his own yard as an example of how to set up and plant a rain garden.
June 28: Pollinators: Pitt to Porch | 9:15-11 am
- Join us for a pollinator tour to celebrate pollinators! We will start by touring a Pitt pollinator garden on campus to learn more about pollinator-friendly plants and practice, then head to The Porch at Schenley Plaza for a talk about an important pollinator, honeybees, by guest speaker Randy from Bee Boy PGH. After the event, participants will have the option to tour the rooftop gardens and beehives with staff from the Porch Restaurant. Only 24 spots available.
Community Events
June 19: Volunteer Workday: Churchill Valley Greenway Pollinator Habitat | 6-8 pm
- Join Allegheny Land Trust for a volunteer workday at Churchill Valley Greenway to celebrate and bring awareness of Pollinator Week. Participate in removing invasive plants and planting natives.
June 21: All about Bees with Allegheny Land Trust | 5-5:45 pm
- Join the Allegheny Land Trust for a free virtual webinar “All About Bees” on June 21 from 5-5:45pm. Did you know Pennsylvania has more species of bees than we do birds? Celebrate Pollinator Week by learning all about our buzzy friends; their biology, importance and even some bee look a-likes.
June 23: Storytime with PGH Parks Conservancy | 11 am-12 pm
- PGH Parks Conservancy is hosting storytime from 11am-12pm at Schenley Plaza tent (with free rides on carousel after)
June 23: Plant Walk with community herbalist at Riverview Park | 6-7:30 pm
- Come learn how to identify local edible and medicinal plants, review safe and ethical foraging practices, and connect with the plant life of our region. This slow walk is less than one mile and is truly for all ages!
June 23: Pollinator Week at Garden Dreams with Grow Pittsburgh | 12-6 pm
June 24: Pollinator Week at Garden Dreams with Grow Pittsburgh | 10 am-4 pm
- Programming and workshops will be taking place during open hours on Friday and Saturday. Featuring kids activities and workshops on Native Plants and Pollinators, Herbs for Pollinators and People, How to Build a Bug Hotel, and more! Music by DJ Drew. Registration is encouraged.