ILLINOIS — With Pollinator Week underway (June 16–22), the University of Illinois Extension is inviting residents across the state to learn how they can create healthier environments for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators critical to our food supply.
The initiative is part of a national effort to raise awareness about the important role pollinators play in sustaining ecosystems — and how individuals can make a difference by cultivating pollinator-friendly spaces in their own communities.
Why Pollinators Matter
According to the Illinois Extension, roughly 150 crops in the U.S. depend on pollinators to transfer pollen between flowers — including about one-third of the food we eat. Yet, many species are increasingly endangered due to habitat loss and declining food sources.
Extension educators emphasize that reversing this trend begins with community action.
“People are looking to know more about pollinators and how to support their populations,” said Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle, a horticulture educator with the Illinois Extension. “By helping people grow native flowering plants everywhere from their backyard to roadsides, we hope to create more habitats across Illinois.”
Simple Tips to Support Pollinators
The Illinois Extension encourages Illinoisans to follow these actionable steps:
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Plant flowers that bloom from spring to fall to ensure a continuous food source
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Limit or eliminate pesticide use, especially during blooming seasons
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Leave dead stems and fallen leaves during fall cleanup to provide overwintering habitats
For more guidance on building and designing your own pollinator garden, the Extension’s official resource center offers step-by-step tips.
Community Gardens and Ongoing Projects
Illinois already hosts more than 600 community-based “pollinator pockets” thanks to a decade-long tracking effort. Local projects like the Open Gate Garden in Madison County, Danville Public Library’s pollinator pocket, and Kane County’s Idea Garden highlight the impact of individual and collective efforts.
“The incredible response from the community shows how individual actions can contribute to a healthier environment for pollinators and people,” said Ryan Pankau, another Extension horticulture educator.
Upcoming Educational Events
As part of Pollinator Week, the Illinois Extension is also offering free virtual sessions to deepen community knowledge:
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June 17: Understanding Native Bees
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June 19: Building a Resilient Pollinator Garden
Registration is available through the Illinois Extension site.
Are you participating in Pollinator Week? Share photos of your garden or bee-friendly space with us at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com. Let’s grow Illinois into a pollinator paradise — one garden at a time.
