Pollinator Week at Wallkill Refuge

Vernon — The Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge is celebrating National Pollinator Week (June 20 to 26)with a series of events for the public this month. The events begin with a garden tour, led by gardener Jean Cramer, at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 16 at the Refuge Headquarters, 1547 County Route 565, in Vernon and will continue with an art show, presentations on hummingbirds, bees and other insect pollinators, gardening, and walks to explore the wildflowers and pollinators in the refuge through the last week in June. According to the Pollinator Partnership Web site the purpose of the week is to make people more aware of the importance of bees, birds, butterflies, bats and beetles as pollinators in the ecosystem. Declines in some populations and the resulting impact on wildlife and agriculture will impact everyone. The public is encouraged to act locally to help in their conservation. Other events scheduled include: Invitational Art Exhibit, Monday, June 20 through July 31 Hummingbirds — Jewels of the Garden talk with Giselle Smisko on Monday, June 20 at 7:30 p.m. Native Insect Pollinator — a discussion with Marie Springer on Tuesday, June 21 at 7:30 p.m. Master Gardener Lisa Chiarello will present three talks on Gardening for Native Pollinators on Wednesday, June 22 at 7 p.m. and on Thursday, June 23 at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Two walks are scheduled for Saturday, June 25: Wildflowers and Pollinators from 10 a.m. to noon with Adam Hamer and Marie Springer; and a Butterfly Walk from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. with Ken Witkowski. All events will start at the Refuge Headquarters in Vernon. The programs are free and open to all. For more information visit www.fwrnwr.org or contact Marie Springer, the coordinator for the Pollinator Week, at 973-875-0104.