Northern Nevada communities are observing Pollinator Week with a variety of events and outreach efforts aimed at raising awareness about the role of pollinators in ecosystems and food systems.
University of Nevada, Reno Extension, along with local organizations and Douglas County officials, are encouraging residents to support pollinator health through education, gardening and science-based activities.
Douglas County has officially proclaimed June 16–22, as National Pollinator Week.
In a public post, Douglas County officials recognized pollinators such as bees, butterflies and birds for their contributions to ecological health, stating, “Douglas County has officially proclaimed June 16–22, 2025 as National Pollinator Week—a time to celebrate the tiny but mighty pollinators who keep our ecosystems thriving.”
The county also acknowledged the Douglas County Extension Office for promoting pollinator protection and habitat conservation.
As part of the weeklong observance, the University’s Extension program is offering several events.
Through June 22, residents are invited to participate in the Pollinator Week Bug and Flower Hunt.
The project encourages individuals and families to use the iNaturalist App to record sightings of pollinators and flowering plants in gardens, parks and backyards.
The data collected contributes to ongoing research about species diversity and habitat use across the region.
On June 16, two free screenings of the PBS film My Garden of a Thousand Bees will be held one in Reno, and one in Minden, participants must register online.
In Reno, the event will take place at 5:30 p.m. at the Museum of Natural History on the university campus, with a museum tour offered before the film. Free parking is available after 5 p.m. in the Silver 12 lot at Record Street and Evans Avenue.
In Minden, the film will be shown at 5 p.m. at the Douglas County Public Library Minden Branch.
Pollinator garden kits will be available for purchase through Extension on June 17. Each kit includes 16 plants, featuring native and adaptive varieties in pots ranging from 2 to 5 inches.
Pre-orders are required, and kits can be picked up at Extension offices in Reno, Carson City or Gardnerville. Proceeds benefit the Extension Master Gardener Program, which trains volunteers to share research-based gardening knowledge in their communities.
On June 22, a self-guided Northern Nevada Pollinator Garden Tour will take place from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Participants can visit public pollinator demonstration gardens in Reno, Carson City, Gardnerville and Minden.
Volunteer docents will be present to discuss garden features, the role of pollinators and practical tips for supporting pollinator habitats.
A map with garden locations and descriptions will be provided to those who register online.
Pollinator Week activities are coordinated by University of Nevada, Reno Extension in collaboration with Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful, Washoe County Regional Parks and Open Space, the City of Reno, Truckee Meadows Community College, the Nevada Native Plant Society, the Biggest Little Bee City USA, the Greenhouse Project, One Truckee River and the Nevada Monarch Society.
More information about pollinator-related resources and event registration is available on Extension’s website.
(Douglas County contributed to this story.)
