2020 Pollination Celebration! to feature photo contest

POLLINATOR PHOTO SAFARI: Humans may still need to keep our distance from one another, but bees and other pollinators remain as busy as ever at their important work this June. For the first time, Asheville Pollination Celebration! includes a photo contest open to all. Photo by Nancy Adamson

The worker bees of Bee City USA have been busy putting together the biggest event on the pollination calendar, and it’s nearly here. The monthlong Asheville Pollination Celebration! spans the month of June and includes a photography contest open to all.

Bee City USA founder Phyllis Stiles is abuzz with the possibilities for getting up close and personal with pollen and pollinators. “It’s really fun to watch a small sweat bee or burly bumblebee packing pollen on her back legs. If you’re lucky, you may see a leafcutter bee with pollen under her abdomen — and that pollen may not be yellow. Pollen comes in a variety of colors depending on the plant species,” she explains.

All pollinator species, including butterflies, moths, flower flies, beetles and hummingbirds as well as bees, are fair game for the contest. Entrants may submit as many photos as they like for chances to have their images shared on the Asheville GreenWorks Instagram account. Prizes will be announced in early July and will include a $250 shopping spree from Reems Creek Nursery. Categories include children, teens, adults and professionals. More information is available at avl.mx/75n.

Other items on the celebration’s agenda — modified to incorporate social distancing this year — include an online screening of the documentary film The Pollinators on Tuesday, June 23. After the viewing, scientists James and Maryann Frazier, who appear in the film, will answer questions.

Three online informational workshops also are planned, and Asheville GreenWorks will post activities designed for kids, like butterfly origami, on its website throughout the month. For more information and registration, visit avl.mx/65u.

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