40 governors back Pollinator Week as focus turns to butterflies and moths

Pollinator Partnership says 40 U.S. governors issued proclamations for this year’s Pollinator Week, which highlighted butterflies and moths and drew support from communities across North America. The campaign lands as pollinator declines continue to threaten food systems, ecosystems, and local economies.

Why it matters: - Pollinators support more than 75% of flowering plants and about one-third of the food people eat. - Habitat loss, pesticide exposure, invasive species, climate change and disease continue to pressure pollinator populations. - State-level support for Pollinator Week signals broad political backing for conservation actions that affect agriculture, natural resources, local economies and communities.

What happened: - Pollinator Partnership marked its annual Pollinator Week with official proclamations from governors in 40 U.S. states. - The 2026 campaign centered on Lepidoptera, especially butterflies and moths. - Communities across North America and around the world held educational events, habitat projects, garden tours, community science activities and local celebrations.

The details: - Pollinator Week is now in its 19th year. - Pollinator Partnership says the campaign has grown from a week-long U.S. awareness effort into a month-long international celebration. - The 2026 poster theme, “Life on a Leaf,” focuses on the relationship between native host plants and caterpillars. - The week included support from hundreds of municipalities, nonprofits, businesses, schools, parks, zoos, gardens and community groups. - Kelly Bills, executive director of Pollinator Partnership, said the event continues to unite people across political and geographic boundaries to protect pollinators. - Since 2007, Pollinator Week has helped millions of people learn about pollinators and take conservation action. - Suggested actions include planting native flowers, reducing pesticide use, supporting pollinator-friendly farms and joining habitat restoration projects.

Between the lines: - The governor proclamations suggest pollinator conservation has moved beyond a niche environmental issue. - The strong emphasis on butterflies and moths broadens the conversation beyond bees and highlights species that also signal ecosystem health. - The mix of government, nonprofit, business and community participation gives the campaign unusual reach for a conservation observance.

What's next: - Pollinator Partnership says 2027 will mark the 20th anniversary of Pollinator Week. - The organization first secured U.S. Senate recognition for the observance in 2007. - Pollinator Partnership is directing supporters to learn more about Pollinator Week and prepare for the anniversary.