
City of Austin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASERelease Date: Jun. 09, 2025
The City of Austin celebrates Pollinator Week 2025 this June 16 through 22 with a series of educational events designed to raise awareness of the vital role pollinators play in sustaining local ecosystems.
On Tuesday, June 10 at 1:00 p.m., Mayor Kirk Watson will read the official Pollinator Week Proclamation at Austin City Hall reaffirming the City’s dedication to pollinator conservation through the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge and its ongoing commitment as a certified Bee City USA affiliate.
Pollinators such as native bees, butterflies, bats, and hummingbirds are critical to plant reproduction, food production, and biodiversity. Yet, their populations are in decline due to habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide use. The City of Austin is taking action to address these threats through habitat restoration, responsible land management, and public education.
“Pollinators are vital to the health of our environment and our communities,” said Mayor Watson. “Through our continued stewardship and outreach, we are building a greener, more resilient Austin – one garden and one pollinator at a time.”
Pollinator Week Events and Activities
As part of the celebration, residents are invited to participate in a variety of free, family-friendly events hosted by the Austin Nature and Science Center and the Austin Public Library:
Austin Nature and Science Center
Explore native pollinator gardens and attend hands-on educational programs that teach how to create pollinator habitats at home. Visitors can also pick up pollinator guides and engage with interactive exhibits highlighting bees, bats, and butterflies.
Austin Public Libraries
Library branches across the city will offer themed storytimes, pollinator-themed crafts, and workshops including butterfly and bee identification, native plant gardening tips, and more.
“Austin Public Library is excited to be hosting free programs and activities dedicated to increasing community knowledge and adopting pollinator friendly practices at several library branches throughout Austin for Pollinator Week 2025, with,” stated Acting Assistant Director of Libraries Patti Fowler. “We are always pleased to have opportunities to partner with other City of Austin Departments like Austin Parks and Recreation to advance our mission of inspiring all to discover, learn, and create.”
These programs are part of the City’s broader commitment to protecting pollinators and encouraging community members to take small, meaningful steps – such as planting native flowers or avoiding pesticides – that make a big difference for local wildlife.
“Being a Bee City isn’t just about a title – it’s a responsibility,” said Jesús Aguirre, Director of Austin Parks and Recreation. “We’re proud to support pollinators through habitat creation, education, and public participation. These efforts help ensure Austin remains a haven for both people and pollinators.”
The proclamation and Pollinator Week initiatives reflect the city’s larger conservation goals outlined in the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge, a nationwide effort to restore monarch butterfly habitat and increase public awareness of pollinator declines.
To learn more about Austin’s Bee City efforts and Pollinator Week events, visit the City of Austin Bee City webpage: AustinTexas.gov/BeeCity.