Pollinator Awareness Day

Tuesday, June 23

10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Free

Learn what pollinators are, discover their importance, and find out about actions you can take on Pollinator Awareness Day at Lincoln Park Zoo! On Tuesday, June 23, the zoo will feature free activities for the whole family to enjoy.

What Is a Pollinator?

Pollen is a powdery substance with a plant’s genetic material inside. It sticks to the bodies of insects, birds, bats, and other animals, which are called pollinators. Pollinators help plants reproduce by carrying that pollen from flower to flower. Once a flower is fertilized with the pollen, it can produce fruit and seeds.

Pollinator Awareness Day Schedule

10 a.m.–noon Pollinator Activities, Main Mall

10 a.m.–noon Membership and Adopt Table, Main Mall

10 a.m.–noon Pollinator Seed Giveaway, Main Mall

10 a.m.–noon Members Only: Scavenger Hunt, Member Center

10 a.m.–1 p.m. Partner Tables, Main Mall
Featuring Illinois Farm Bureau, Cook DuPage Beekeepers Association, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, North Cook Country Soil & Water Conservation District, Zeldenrust Farm Market, Cook County Farm Bureau, Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom, Global Gardens Chicago, and University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners.

10:30–11:15 a.m. Chicago Public Library Story Time, Waterfowl Lagoon Overlook

How Lincoln Park Zoo Supports Pollinators

Providing Habitat for Insects on Green Roofs

Lincoln Park Zoo’s 18 green roofs, comprising 33,000 square feet of space, manage water runoff, make the zoo more energy-efficient, and provide habitat for pollinators such as insects.

Saving Monarchs With SAFE

Lincoln Park Zoo is an active member of many of AZA’s Saving Animals From Extinction programs, including one that focuses on conserving North American monarch butterflies.

Chicago Garden Wildlife Project

Learn how Lincoln Park Zoo aids community gardens around Chicago in attracting pollinators, repelling pests, and fostering biodiversity.

Get Involved

Explore the Gardens at Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo is an accredited arboretum and botanic garden, and its grounds include many plants that support various pollinators. Learn about them at this link or take a Sunset Garden Tour!

Explore the Gardens

Help Birds During Spring and Fall Migration

Each spring and fall, more than 250 species of birds fly through the Chicago area. Unfortunately, this city is very dangerous for them, but here are five easy things you can do to help.

Help Birds

Plant Native Species to Support Monarch Butterflies

Monarch butterflies exclusively eat milkweed, and several species of this plant grow at the zoo’s Nature Boardwalk. If you plant swamp milkweed in your home garden, you can help these insects out.

Support Butterflies

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