During the month of September, DLA is participating in a BioBlitz as part of the national Parks for Pollinators campaign, which is aimed at raising public awareness about the importance of pollinators and positioning parks as national leaders in advancing pollinator health and native habitat. Organized by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, the Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz event is held in September.
Pollinators are a vital component of our ecosystem and an essential link to the world’s food supply. According to the White House’s Pollinators Health Task Force, during the last 30 years, the United States has seen a steady decline of pollinators (such as bees, bats, and butterflies) at an alarming rate of 30 percent annually — making it vital to take action on pollinator protection.
“Pollinators are critical for the health and well-being of our communities. Taking steps to protect our various pollinators has never been more important,” said Michele White, NRPA senior program manager of the Parks for Pollinator campaign. “This September, we challenge park and recreation professionals to host BioBlitz events in their communities to educate members of the public about the importance of our pollinators. Park agencies that participate have the chance to win one of three $1,000 prizes to support the creation of pollinator habitats in parks. This work is possible thanks to our partnership with The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation.”
“We’re excited to help our Parks and Recreation clients gather information that will help us all understand how we can better protect pollinators and other important wildlife in our community,” said Lou Noto, principal at DLA Architects. “Not only does this initiative align with our sustainability focus at DLA, but it also fits into our internal wellness initiatives. We know that being in nature is important for everyone’s health and well-being.”
During the month of September, DLA Employees and their families are encouraged to visit public parks and recreation areas to take part in this initiative. This will increase our awareness of issues affecting pollinators and empower us to take steps toward protecting these essential members of our ecosystem. The Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz is both an informative and interactive activity for community members, families, and children to support pollinator health while enjoying time outside at their local park.
According to a poll conducted by NRPA, nearly all adults in the United States agree that promoting pollinator health should be a conservation priority across the United States. Promoting pollinator health includes protecting against the decline and death of pollinators, such as bees and other insects, and increasing their habitat.
To learn more about Parks for Pollinators, visit www.nrpa.org/parks4pollinators.
To learn more about NRPA, visit www.nrpa.org.
