The City of Moline will celebrate its first Pollinator Week as a designated Bee City USA affiliate on Wednesday, June 18, with a series of public events, including a free documentary screening.
Pollinator Week, observed nationwide from June 16-22, aims to raise awareness about pollinators and encourage community support. As a Bee City, Moline is dedicated to establishing habitats for native bees, promoting native plants, and minimizing pesticide use.
Events scheduled for Wednesday include:
- Pop-Up native plant sale at Atlas Collective: From 3-5 p.m. at 1801 6th Ave., Moline, hosted by the Rock Island County Soil and Water Conservation District. Atlas Collective also will offer a special “Bee Yourself” drink for Pollinator Week.
- Fundraising Night at Pour Bros. Craft Taproom: From 5-11 p.m. at 1209 4th Ave, Suite 2, Moline. A portion of sales will support Moline’s Bee City initiatives. The event will feature a pollinator-themed cocktail and food from the Corner Stop food truck.
- Free Screening of “My Garden of a Thousand Bees” at Pour Bros. Craft Taproom: At 6:30 p.m. at Pour Bros., 1209 4th Ave, Suite 2, in Moline. This documentary highlights the importance of pollinators, following filmmaker Martin Dohrn as he documents bee activity in his backyard. Bee City USA encourages affiliates to host public screenings for community education.
Dawn Temple, City of Moline’s management analyst/grant coordinator and Pollinator Preservation Committee member, emphasized the growing local support for these efforts.
“This milestone reflects a growing community commitment to protecting the environment and supporting pollinators, and I’m proud of the partnerships we’ve already built with local businesses and organizations,” Ms. Temple said.
“Events like these bring awareness, education and a little fun. It’s exciting to see so many people getting involved and showing love for the little creatures that do so much behind the scenes,” she said, adding she hopes the documentary screening will offer attendees a fresh perspective.
“I hope people walk away with a whole new appreciation for bees and other pollinators,” Ms. Temple added. “The documentary’s close-up and slow-motion footage lets you see them like never before – it’s like stepping into their world. They’re fascinating, and I think people will come away thinking, ‘Wow, I had no idea bees were this awesome!’”
For more information, contact the Moline Pollinator Preservation Committee at [email protected].
