Lackawanna County is establishing Pollinator Gardens at the Lackawanna County Courthouse-two measuring 30x14- and three at McDade Park in 2023. In the coming years, we will be establishing Pollinator Gardens at other County properties, and outreaching to help residents and businesses that would like to have gardens as well.

Why are we doing this?

Because pollinators need our help. As you may know, the iconic monarch butterfly and its spectacular migration are in jeopardy. In the U.S., pollination produces nearly $20 billion worth of products annually. Monarch butterflies have declined by 90% in the last 20 years and 25% of bumble bees species are thought to be in serious decline.

Pollinators are dying because their food and homes are disappearing, diseases have increased, and rising temperatures and natural disasters are affecting their ability to survive - all of which are related to climate change. At the same time, the conservation of pollinators and their habitats can help combat climate change by supporting healthy ecosystems, air, soil, water, and plants.

Pollinator Week was initiated about 15 years ago and  the U.S. Senate’s unanimous  approval and designation of a week in June as “National Pollinator Week” marked a necessary step toward addressing the issue of declining pollinator populations.

Whereas,    pollinator species such as birds and insects are essential partners of farmers and ranches in producing much of our food supply, pollination plays a vital role in the health of our national forests and grasslands, which provide forage, fish and wildlife, timber, water, mineral resources and recreational opportunities as well as enhanced economic development opportunities for communities; and

Whereas,  pollinator species provide significant environmental benefits that are necessary for maintaining healthy, biodiverse ecosystems. Lackawanna County has managed wildlife habitats and public lands such as Aylesworth, Covington, McDade and Merli-Sarnoski parks for decades; and 

 Whereas, Lackawanna County provides the community assistance to promote conservation stewardship, including the protection and maintenance of pollinators and their habitats on County managed lands; and      

Now Therefore,   We, Jerry Notarianni, Debi Domenick Esq., and Chris Chermak, Commissioners of the County of Lackawanna, Pennsylvania, do hereby acknowledge and proclaim June 19 through June 25, 2023, as “Pollinator Week” n Lackawanna County