Lexington Buzzing with Activity for Pollinator Week 2023

LEXINGTON, KY – Pollinator Week is set to make a vibrant splash in Lexington this year with an array of events that celebrate the critical role of pollinators in our ecosystem. The week-long event, running from June 19 to June 25, 2023, is the city’s first celebration of the annual international event dedicated to pollinator health​.

The inaugural Pollinator Week in Lexington aims to spread the word about the importance of bees, birds, butterflies, bats, beetles, moths, wasps, and flies to the ecosystem, and what individuals can do to protect them. The event comes at a crucial time, as the pollinator populations have been facing significant declines, posing a serious threat to global food security and biodiversity​​.

One of the key highlights of the week will be the “Pollinator Bioblitz” which runs throughout the week from June 19-25, where participants will have an opportunity to engage in citizen science by documenting the pollinators they encounter​.

Additionally, a host of other activities will be taking place throughout the week. These include educational sessions on “Native Ornamental Grasses”, “Milkweeds for the Garden”, and “Garden Phlox”, scheduled for June 15, June 20, and June 29, respectively​.

For art enthusiasts, “Pollinators in Photochrome” will be held from June 12-30, during Lexington Public Library’s operating hours, providing a visually stunning exploration of pollinators​.

Family-friendly events such as “Junior Naturalist – Pollinator Palooza” and “Tiny Tot Naturalist” will take place on June 17 and June 21, respectively, offering a great opportunity for children to learn more about pollinators in a fun and engaging way​.

Outdoor enthusiasts will have a chance to explore “Trees for Pollinators in African Cemetery No. 2” on June 22, “Woody Plants for Pollinators Walk” on June 21, and “Pollinator Safari at The Arboretum” on June 23​​.

In addition, there will be various tours and walks, such as the “Monarch Garden Tour at Beaumont Presbyterian Church” on June 20 and “A Tour of Six Pollinator Gardens” on June 24. Attendees will also get a chance to identify butterflies in the “Common Butterflies of the Bluegrass” event on June 25​.

Pollinator Week in Lexington promises to be a bustling and educational event that brings together communities, fostering understanding and appreciation for the often-overlooked creatures that play such a crucial role in our ecosystem. Mark your calendars for this enlightening and fun-filled week!

Full Pollinator Week calendar:

Native Ornamental Grasses 
June 15, 2023
6:00pm

Milkweeds for the Garden
June 20, 2023
6:00pm

Garden Phlox
June 29, 2023
6:00pm

Pollinators in Photochrome

June 12-30, 2023 – During Lexington Public Library’s Operating Hours

Junior Naturalist – “Pollinator Palooza”

June 17, 2023 – 10:00am

Bringing Pollinators Back into Our Parks

June 17, 2023 – 10:00am-12:00pm

Pollinator Week Kickoff Event

June 17, 2023 – 2:00pm-4:00pm

DAR Colonial Days in the Pollinator Garden 

June 19, 2023 – 4:00pm-6:00pm

Butterflies of Central Kentucky: Identification, Diversity, & Ecology

June 20, 2023 – 2:00-4:30pm

Monarch Garden Tour at Beaumont Presbyterian Church 

June 20, 2023 – 6:00pm-7:30pm

Tiny Tot Naturalist

June 21, 2023 – 10:00a.m.

Pollinator Habitat tour Unitarian Universalist Church of Lexington 

June 21, 2023 – 6:00pm-7:30pm

Pollinator Scavenger Hunt

June 22, 2023 – 11:00am-12:15pm

Summer Solstice Art

June 22, 2023 – 1:00pm

Pollinator Week with NABA-Central KY 

June 22, 2023 – 3:30-6:00pm

Trees for Pollinators in African Cemetery No. 2

June 22, 2023 – 6:00pm

Pollinator Safari at The Arboretum

June 23, 2023 – 1:00pm-3:00pm

Woody Plants for Pollinators Walk

June 21, 2023 – 6:oopm-8:00pm

Firefly Viewing Walk

June 23, 2023 – 9:00-10:00pm

Junior Explorers: The Forest Floor

June 24, 2023 – 10:00am

Beginner Tree Identification

June 24, 2023 – 1:00pm

A Tour of Six Pollinator Gardens

June 24, 2023 – 10:00am-3:00pm

Celebrate Lexington Jacobson Park Book Trail Launch  

June 24, 2023 – 10:00am

Bees in Your Backyard

June 24, 2023 – 1:00pm-2:00pm

Common Butterflies of the Bluegrass

June 25, 2023 – 1:00pm

Pollinator Search

June 25, 2023 – 2:00pm

Pollinator Week 2023 – Pollinator Bioblitz 

June 19-25, 2023


Photo: Bees celebrate pollinator week on a butterfly weed plant at Veterans Park in Lexington. (The Lexington Times)