Enhanced pollinator habitat on way to Brunet State Park
In honor of Pollinator Week, June 19-25, the Wisconsin DNR and the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin (NRF), announce that seven state park properties will receive a pollinator upgrade in 2023. Included in that in Chippewa County, are Brunet Island State Park and the Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area, which will receive funding from the NRF to enhance pollinator habitat.
The DNR is leading a “Pollinators in the Parks” initiative, to increase pollinator habitat at state park properties across Wisconsin. New pollinator habitat will be created at these state parks, thanks to funding from the Wisconsin Pollinator Protection Fund of the NRF.
“Our native pollinators are incredibly important to maintaining Wisconsin’s native ecosystems,” said Steve Schmelzer, DNR Parks and Recreation Management Bureau director. “State parks are proud to play a role in helping these important beings survive. Plus, the beautiful gardens that create habitat for pollinators enhance the intrinsic beauty of our state park properties.”
Why is there such a buzz around pollinators? Pollinators are vital for Wisconsin’s unique biodiversity, and for agricultural crops and backyard gardens. But the DNR and conservation non-profits can’t do it alone. In Wisconsin, 82 percent of land is privately owned, so the general public can play an important role, too.
There are lots of ways to celebrate Pollinator Week, which includes the following:
• Plant native plants and add some milkweed to landscaping for monarchs.
• Help the bees, by getting involved with the DNR’s Wisconsin Bumble Bee Brigade community science program. All that is required, is to submit photos and additional information on the bumble bees observed.
• Experience pollinator conservation out in the field. The NRF is leading several upcoming pollinator-related field trips, now available for sign-ups.
• Learn more about how to can help increase pollinator habitat in Wisconsin.
• Donate to the Wisconsin Pollinator Protection Fund, to keep growing these efforts across the state.
“I have hope that if we all work on this together, we’ll all see more butterflies and other pollinators, in our park properties and home yards in the future,” said Williamson. “Pollinator Week is a great time to get started.”
