On Saturday, September 13th, Pollinator Alliance of the Heartland (PATH) will host its 3rd Annual Milkweed & Cookies event at Bellevue University, John B. Muller Administration Building (B Level), 812 Bruin Blvd., from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
“We are thrilled PATH has returned to Bellevue to host our largest native pollinator gardening educational event again this year,” said Ruth Richter, President of Green Bellevue. “Bellevue is a certified Bee City USA by the Xerces Society, and there is strong interest in native pollinator gardening in the city, thanks in part to our partner, Green Bellevue. That’s a big plus!” said Amanda Angle, President of PATH.
Event Highlights:
• A vendor fair with local nonprofits and businesses, including Green Bellevue, Lucky Toad Restorative Gardens, and Bumbling Bee Native Wildflowers. Guests can also enjoy a raffle with prizes and a cookie-decorating station.
• Speaker Presentations: 1) Lance Brisbois, Golden Hills RC&D – 12:30–1:15 p.m. 2) Michelle Brannen, Benson Bounty – 1:30-2:15 p.m. 3) Jennifer Hopwood, Xerces Society – 2:30-3:15 p.m.
Angle explained why native planting is so important: “Pollinator populations are threatened due to habitat loss, pesticide and herbicide use, and diseases. The easiest way to make an immediate difference is to plant the native plants our pollinators evolved with.” A customary feature of this annual event is the Native Garden Giveaway, offered by pre-registration. This year, all 160 gardens have been reserved, ensuring an immediate impact from this event.
Special thanks to event sponsors: JSS Charitable Fund, Green Bellevue, Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District, Bumbling Bee Native Wildflowers.