HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 06-16-2026; 8-b - Pollinator Week Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: June 16, 2026
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-b
SUBJECT: Pollinator Week Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Environment, Agriculture, Parks
& Recreation (DEAPR)
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Abby Mattingly, 919-245-2510
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation declaring June 22-28, 2026, 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 event created was created by 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
affliate).
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 Orange County 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 22-28, 2026, as "Pollinator Week" in
Orange County.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
A RESOLUTION 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 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 22-28, 2026, has been designated as Pollinator Week nationally
by the 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 22nd through June 28th, 2026, 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 16th DAY OF JUNE, 2026.
Jean Hamilton, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
ATTEST:
Laura Jensen
Clerk to the Board of Commissioners