When we think of pollinators, most of us picture honeybees, but here on the Colorado Plateau, there’s a whole hidden world of pollinators waiting to be discovered. There are hundreds of species of native bees, along with butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, hummingbirds, and even bats, all playing a part in keeping our landscapes alive.
Many of these pollinators have grown up alongside native plants, forming close, almost partner-like relationships. Plants like penstemons (pictured above), milkweeds, and blanket flowers aren’t just pretty, they’re perfectly designed to attract and support the pollinators that live here. Their colors, shapes, and bloom times act like invitations. And when pollinators visit, they carry pollen from flower to flower, helping plants make seeds and continue their life cycles.
For kids, this is where the magic really starts. A bee isn’t just a bee; it’s a tiny worker helping a flower make more flowers. A butterfly isn’t just passing by; it’s part of a much bigger story happening right in front of us. These relationships are especially important in a place like ours, where the environment can be dry and unpredictable. Native pollinators are uniquely adapted to these conditions and often do a better job pollinating native plants than species from elsewhere. When we take care of them, we’re helping entire ecosystems stay strong and resilient. But pollinators need our help. Habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change are making it harder for them to thrive. The good news is that even small actions like planting native flowers or noticing the insects in your backyard, can make a real difference.
That sense of noticing and curiosity is at the heart of our Eco Explorer Summer Camps. During Garden Guardians week, campers spend time exploring gardens, meadows, forests, and wetlands, getting up close with the pollinators that live there. They’ll play games, ask questions, and discover how plants and pollinators depend on each other in ways that are both simple and extraordinary.
While many of our summer camp sessions have already filled, we still have a few spots open for this pollinator-focused week. It’s a chance for kids to get their hands in the dirt, follow their curiosity, and build a real connection to the natural world around them. To sign your child up for Garden Guardians follow the link here or reach out to Helena Murray at Helena.Murray@thearb.org.
Helena Murray is the Educational Manager at The Arboretum at Flagstaff.
