Save The Fireflies, Thank The Bees In MD: Pollinator Week Events

MARYLAND — National Pollinator week is coming up. Here is how to celebrate critters like fireflies and bees in Maryland. Plenty of Juneteenth and Pride Month events are also on tap.

Patch recently partnered with several local organizations to bring you their latest news. This guest contribution comes from National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways and Chesapeake Conservancy. Here's what Jody Hedeman Couser submitted to help you explore the Chesapeake Bay:

"It’s National Pollinator Week!

National Pollinator Week is June 21-27, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is hosting a series of free online seminars to celebrate:

• June 21, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, Solitary Bees of Maryland;
• June 22, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm; Butterflies and Bees that Need Trees;
• June 24, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Gardening for Pollinators;
• June 26, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, Pollinator Trivia Night.

Programs are being presented via Zoom and led by Kerry Wixted, Education and Outreach Specialist. More information and registration.

Juneteenth Parade and Music Festival

Juneteenth is a celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. The City of Annapolis’ inaugural Juneteenth Celebration wants to create a memorable experience that celebrates freedom and honors the memory of enslaved Africans and their contributions to America. There will be a VIP Reception and Awards Ceremony on June 18th, and on the 19th a parade at the Annapolis City Dock and a music festival at Bates Athletic Complex. The festival will close with a reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, theatrical performance, and tribute featuring local artists and creatives. Find out more about how to join in the celebration!

Celebrate Pride Month

Anne Arundel County Public Library officials have announced a series of special events in recognition of Pride Month, including LGBTQ Book Club meetings. Book club meetings are available for adults, teens, and children, and family storytimes. Join in for a discussion of Black and Queer in Media and Entertainment, and a Rainbow Entrepreneur Panel Discussion. On June 28 the Mountain Road Library will be hosting a parked pride parade, with pride crafts, queer authors, storytime, dance party and chalk the walk. Learn more about the county library’s Pride Month events and get book recommendations here

Indigenizing Pride

Many tribal nations have always recognized multiple genders and those who possess both male and female spirits. Native people who identify as more than one gender or possessing both spirits sometimes refer to themselves as Two Spirit. In celebration of Pride Month, hear from American Indian youth working in the fields of education, health, cultural heritage, and the arts to amplify Two Spirit and Native LGBTQ+ voices and issues. This free Zoom event is presented by the National Museum of the American Indian on June 17 at 4:00 pm. More info and registration.

Save the Lightning Bugs!

In addition to their spectacular nighttime displays, most firefly species are also pollinators! Like many insects, firefly populations are declining. But since we are part of the problem, we can be part of the solution. Here are some tips from The Wildlife Habitat Council for how to help them thrive in your backyard:

• Encourage the presence of leaf litter and woody debris.
• Provide shelter for them during the day with tall grasses, shrubs and flowering plants.
• Plant flowering plants with bloom times that are staggered throughout the season.
• Turn off unnecessary outdoor lights.

Learn more about [lightning] bugs from Alonso Abugattas, Capital Naturalist.

Explore the Current, Weather and Captain John Smith's Historic Voyage with CBIBS!

Head out on the water and learn firsthand the experiences of Captain John Smith's Voyage on NOAA's Chesapeake Bay interpretive Buoy System. CBIBS provides real time weather and environmental information, as well as a glimpse into living Chesapeake Bay History. You can also download the app for your Android or iPhone from the website. Note: some buoys may be offline with no data currently available.

Chesapeake Trail Riverview

Take a virtual tour of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail from your computer or mobile device! To help you plan your trip before you go, the Chesapeake Conservancy partnered with Terrain360 to bring you virtual tours of the trail’s great rivers. Sit back and virtually explore the Elk, James (sponsored by the James River Association), Nanticoke, Northeast, Patapsco, Patuxent, Potomac, Rappahannock, Sassafras, Susquehanna, and York rivers. Check out some of the Chesapeake’s special places like Werowocomoco, Fones Cliffs, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and Mallows Bay. We hope to eventually bring you a virtual tour of the entire Chesapeake Trail! Explore the Chesapeake's great rivers on our website."

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Have a story idea? Please contact me at jacob.baumgart@patch.com with any pitches, tips or questions. Follow me on Twitter @JacobBaumgart and on Facebook @JacobBaumgartJournalist to stay up-to-date with the latest Anne Arundel County and Prince George's County news.