It’s pollinator day at the Minnesota DNR’s State Fair building on Thursday.
A series of talks and walks are planned to educate people on the importance of protecting pollinator habitat, as well as learning about monarch butterflies.
The DNR’s Jeanine Kohn says we’ve seen a resurgence of monarchs in recent years, thanks, in part, to people who have been planting milkweed on their property.
“The common person can just take a look at the lay of their backyard or their front yard, and instead of putting things that don’t belong here in this area, maybe we start thinking about the beautiful habitat and landscape that we can create that’s native,” Kohn said.
The DNR says the best way to help protect monarchs, bees, and other pollinators is to reduce pesticide use and plant a variety of flowers native to Minnesota that bloom in spring, summer, and fall.
“Milkweed is one of the staples of the monarch,” Kohn said. “So planting that and not pulling it out when it pops up in your yard, that’s what monarchs specifically are attracted to.”
Thursday's events at the DNR building include a “pollinator hike” in the gardens near the DNR building.
