Help protect the pollinators during National Pollinator Week
by Eduardo de la Garza
Birds do it, bees do it, even educated fleas do it. They pollinate. Well fleas may not, but plenty of insects, such as butterflies, do.
National Pollinator Week began June 19 and runs through June 25. The event, managed by Pollinator Partnership was organized to protect pollinators — the birds, bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, and wasps. They’re the creatures that feed off flowers and carry pollen to other flowers. Protecting them was important, as the bee population was dwindling for years. Other pollinators were dying, the chief cause being climate change.
Through webinars, tool kits, and planting sessions Pollinator Partnership teaches children, teens, and adults about pollinators. And from 8-11 a.m. June 24, The Woodlands Township will help do that during their BioBlitz BioBooth at The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park. The event will have experts on hand to teach participants about birds, bees, and plants.
Pollinator Partnership also suggests planting, going on garden tours, participating in online bee and butterfly identification classes, or hosting a pollinator planting day at your school, office, or local park. However you recognize National Pollinator Week, recognize that everything is connected and needs to be protected.
Repair Café event at TXRX Labs
Repair Café, co-sponsored by Citizens’ Environmental Coalition happens from 1-4 p.m. June 24, at TXRX Labs on 6501 Navigation Blvd. The free event invites people to bring in a broken, non-functioning item — small electronics, appliances, toys, bicycles, clothing, jewelry, etc., — for repair. But it’s also a teaching event. If you’re a handyman, stop by and help with repair jobs. People are free to watch and learn from seeing how things are taken apart and put together — or read brochures or leaf through Do-It-Yourself books.
Sleep til’ the Daylight hour
Can you live without power for one hour from noon to 1 p.m.? Daylight Hour challenges environmentally conscious people to save energy and promote sustainability June 21. Not only will participants save on electricity and reduce CO2 emissions, but they’re invited to share their experiences via Instagram and Twitter with the hashtag #DaylightHour. Organizers hope to save five times the power it would take to run the Empire State building. For more info and to sign up, follow this link.
Summer lovin,’ had me a blast
Houstonians might feel as though summer started weeks ago, but it officially starts June 21. The Rothko Chapel offers two events to celebrate the Summer Solstice. Their morning event, from 8 to 9 p.m. features American jazz drummer and percussionist Hamid Drake for contemplative music experience. If you can’t make it that early, their Summer Solstice Evening Observance: Kaminari Taiko of Houston goes from 7:30-10 p.m. Kaminari Taiko of Houston is a Japanese drumming ensemble.
Also, Montie Beach Park Summer Solstice Celebration lets people enjoy a night of light bites, children’s activities, and door prizes at Montie Beach Park on 915 Northwood St.
Since summer is getting started and temperatures are approaching triple digits, we should remind people to be careful out there. And if you notice a new mole, get it checked out.