HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 06-03-2025; 8-f - Pollinator Week Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: June 3, 2025
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-f
SUBJECT: Pollinator Week Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Environment, Agriculture, Parks
& Recreation (DEAPR)
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Kalani Allen, 919-245-2518
David Stancil, 919-245-2522
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation declaring June 16-22, 2025, as "Pollinator Week" in
Orange County.
BACKGROUND: National Pollinator Week in the United States was first established in 2007 by
the U.S. Senate in response to growing concerns about the decline in pollinator populations, such
as bees, butterflies and wasps. This recognition was first established by the Pollinator Partnership,
a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and promotion of pollinators and their
ecosystems.
Over the years, National Pollinator Week has grown into a widely recognized event across the
country. Events are held annually to celebrate the week, including in Bee Cities such as the Towns
of Hillsborough and Chapel Hill and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (a Bee City
affiliate).
Orange County departments such as DEAPR and Cooperative Extension regularly hold or
participate in events promoting the importance of pollinators and encourage the community to
take action. Parks within the County like Blackwood Farm Park and Little River Regional Park
provide residents an upclose view of pollinator gardens, butterly gardens and open space to help
protect native pollinators in Orange County. The Nature of Orange Photography Contest promotes
showcasing the beauty of the County with the emphasis on nature and themes such as pollinators.
The Climate Action Plan (CAP), approved in 2023 by the Board of Commissioners, outlines
objectives that emphasize the creation of pollinator gardens (Green Community Goal GC 1.3).
Additionally, it aims to develop programs and educational resources to support pollinators and
organize workshops (Green Community Goals GC 6.1, 6.1.1). Pollinator Week serves as a
reminder of the significance of pollinators and their vital role in the ecosystem.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the
proclamation.
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ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports:
• GOAL 1: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CLIMATE ACTION
OBJECTIVE 1. Identify the priorities and resources necessary to implement the Climate
Action Plan.
OBJECTIVE 7. Conserve and protect high priority open space, including Natural Heritage
sites, nature preserves, watershed riparian buffers, and prime/threatened farmland.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the
Chair to sign the attached proclamation declaring June 16-22, 2025, as "Pollinator Week" in
Orange County.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
A PROCLAMATION TO CELEBRATE
POLLINATOR WEEK IN ORANGE COUNTY
WHEREAS, pollinator species such as birds and insects are essential partners of
farmers in producing much of our food supply; and
WHEREAS, pollination plays a vital role in the health of our national forests and
grasslands, which provide forage, fish and wildlife, timber, water, mineral
resources, and recreational opportunities as well as enhanced economic
development opportunities for communities; and
WHEREAS, pollinator species provide significant environmental benefits that are
necessary for maintaining healthy, biodiverse ecosystems; and
WHEREAS, Orange County manages wildlife habitats and public lands such as
County parks, nature preserves and other open spaces and provides producers
with conservation assistance to promote wise conservation stewardship, including
the protection and maintenance of pollinators and their habitats on working lands
and wildlands; and
WHEREAS, June 16-22, 2025 has been designated as Pollinator Week nationally
by Pollinator Partnership to acknowledge and celebrate the role of pollinators and
protection of their habitat;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of
Commissioners hereby designates June 16 through June 22, 2025, as "Pollinator
Week" in Orange County, and recognizes the benefits of pollinators to the
environment, the State of North Carolina, and the United States.
THIS THE 3rd DAY OF JUNE, 2025.
Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
ATTEST:
Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board of Commissioners