Waukegan, Illinois (August 30, 2024) – The Waukegan Parks Foundation is partnering with the Waukegan Park District to host the 2024 Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz on Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 9am to 11am at Pollinator Park, located at 3552 Winhaven Drive. Organized by the National Recreation and Park Association and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, the free educational event will emphasize the importance of pollinators to the local ecosystem.
Children will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on nature activities. Attendees will be encouraged to use iNaturalist, a free mobile app, to create a snapshot of the variety of wildlife that can be found in Pollinator Park by taking photos of plants, insects, and animals.
According to the White House Pollinator Health Task Force, during the last 30 years, the United States has seen a steady decline of pollinators, such as bees, bats, and butterflies, at an alarming rate of 30% annually, making it vital to take action on pollinator protection.
Charlotte Callahan Wozniak, President of the Waukegan Parks Foundation Board of Directors, stated, “The Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz is a way for children and families to learn about the vital role pollinators play in the environment. With several honeybee hives, the Waukegan Parks Foundation is committed to partnering with the Waukegan Park District to promote sustainable practices that support an increase in the number of pollinators.”
Anton L. Mathews, President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, stated, “The Waukegan Park District is excited to partner with the Waukegan Parks Foundation to host the 2024 Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz. The event will offer families an interactive opportunity to engage with nature and understand the significance of the world’s pollinators.”
Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, stated, “The Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz will be a method of presenting to the community how parks serve as critical habitats for pollinators. Through this partnership with the Waukegan Parks Foundation, the Waukegan Park District intends to inspire more individuals to take action at home in support of pollinators.”
Preregistration is not required. More information is available at waukeganparks.org/bioblitz.
About the Waukegan Park District
Established on December 26, 1916, the Waukegan Park District (WPD) has 53 properties and more than 742 acres of land, including the 18-hole Bonnie Brook and 9-hole Greenshire Golf Courses. Properties are managed to the highest environmental and conservation standards. Facilities operated by the WPD include the Field House Sports, Fitness and Aquatics Center, Waukegan’s Greg Petry SportsPark, Waukegan Skate Park, BMX Track, SplashZone, Percussion Playground, recreational centers, disc golf course, dog exercise area and agility course, outdoor sports fields, picnic areas, playgrounds, splash pads, and sports courts including basketball, tennis and pickleball. A full range of programs and services are offered year-round for all ages, from infants to seniors, as well as special need populations. Healthy lifestyles, wellness initiatives, and a connection with the outdoors and nature are integrated throughout programs, services, and special events. Arts and cultural activities are provided by the Jack Benny Center for the Arts, Waukegan Symphony Orchestra and Concert Chorus, and the Waukegan History Museum. We offer something for everyone!
A member of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD), Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA), and the Park District Risk Management Agency (PDRMA), the WPD employs 73 full-time and 219 part-time, seasonal, and temporary employees and is recognized by the IPRA as an Exceptional Workplace.
Nationally accredited by the NRPA Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and State accredited through the IAPD Distinguished Agency Accreditation, the WPD has received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Triple Crown Award for receiving the GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award, and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. The WPD was awarded the NRPA National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management in 2013, and was named a Gold Medal Finalist in 2012, 2013, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Media Contact
Josue Pasillas, MPA
Communications Supervisor
Waukegan Park District
(847) 360-4789
jpasillas@waukeganparks.org
waukeganparks.org