Kick Off Pollinator Week with Family Activities from 4-7pm on June 16th!

Come join us at the garden on June 16th from 4-7pm to kick off pollinator week in Cache Valley! We'll have refreshments, yard games, garden tours, crafts, a treasure hunt for kids, and much more.

Also, check out the awesome workshops and garden tours taking place throughout the week to celebrate our fantastic pollinators.

Why do pollinators matter? According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), without pollinators, the human race all of earth’s terrestrial ecosystems would not survive. Of the 1,400 plants grown for human use and consumption, almost 80% require pollination by animals. Visits from bees and other pollinators also result in larger, more flavorful fruits and higher crop yields. In the United States alone, pollination of agricultural crops is valued at 10 billion dollars annually. Globally, pollination services are likely worth more than 3 trillion dollars.

The Beehive State (Utah) is an extra special place for pollinators, as we are home to more than 900 species of native bees! Most of our bees are solitary, meaning they do not live in large groups in hives. Solitary bees have little interest in stinging you and are great for your garden. We are trying to encourage more pollinators at Hope Community Garden by continuing to expand our pollinator garden by the east fence. If you are interested in starting your own pollinator garden in Utah, here are some great planting tips from the Utah State University Extension Program.