Celebrating Pollinators: 10th Annual Pollinator Parade and Picnic at Gilsland Farm
Families from across the region, along with pollinator enthusiasts of all ages, are set to convene at Maine Audubon’s Gilsland Farm in Falmouth on Saturday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., for the much-anticipated 10th Annual Pollinator Parade and Picnic. This celebrated community event aims to honor the essential winged species—such as bees, butterflies, and other pollinators—that are vital to the health of our ecosystems and the stability of our food systems.
Since its inception in 2015, the Pollinator Parade has been a collaborative effort between Birth Roots and Maine Audubon, designed to raise awareness about the significant decline in many pollinator populations. The event proposes a lighthearted yet impactful approach to addressing this pressing environmental issue. Participants, often adorned in creative costumes representing insects and flowers—with a special emphasis on the Monarch butterfly—engage in activities that foster education and appreciation for these pollinators. Attendees will also have the chance to take home milkweed plants that are crucial for supporting Monarchs as they migrate back to Maine later in the season.
The event draws thematic inspiration from the annual Monarch butterfly migration to Mexico, a journey that spans 3,000 miles and has taken place for millennia. The parade is set to commence at 11:30 a.m., inviting young children, parents, and grandparents to showcase their costumes and celebrate the rich tapestry of life that pollinators support, while simultaneously emphasizing the urgent need for habitat protection and restoration.
“The Pollinator Parade transcends a mere picnic or festival; it is a clarion call for action,” remarked Leah Deragon, co-founder and Director of Mission and Impact at Birth Roots. “Our objective is not only to captivate the public’s imagination but also to inspire proactive measures aimed at preserving pollinators for future generations.”
Organizers are keen to foster substantive conversations about the policies and personal actions that can bolster pollinator populations. Simple, day-to-day actions—such as planting native species, creating pollinator-friendly gardens, and minimizing pesticide use—can collectively make a significant difference.
This event is a part of a burgeoning movement that seeks to recognize and elevate the crucial role pollinators play in sustaining life, a movement that has gained momentum since the late 1990s.
As a ticketed event, the Pollinator Parade includes measures to minimize disturbances to the Gilsland Farm wildlife sanctuary during the delicate spring season. Gilsland Farm Audubon Center is located at 20 Gilsland Farm Road, Falmouth, and all proceeds will support local conservation efforts.
For information and registration, please visit the following links: PLACEHOLDER30a6fde1604a463b and PLACEHOLDERf9ed9bc79fdef610.
Join us for a day of fun, education, and advocacy as we celebrate the indispensable role of pollinators in our world.
