May 17, 2017 (Davenport, Iowa) – The Putnam Museum & Science Center will host a “Pollinators’ Palooza” event May 20 and 21 in partnership with the Iowa State University (ISU) Scott County Extension Master Gardeners. The weekend-long palooza, which will take place on Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 21, from noon to 5 p.m., is designed to educate the public on the continuous importance of pollinators in our environment. “We are happy to partner with Master Gardeners on this educational event,” said Kim Findlay, president and CEO of the Putnam. “It’s a great opportunity for the public to learn the importance of pollinators and check out our new Pollinator Garden.”
Master Gardeners will staff a Hort Clinic the entire weekend where the public can ask questions about plants, insects, and wildlife in their own landscapes.
In addition to a number of talks and presentations about butterflies and more, participants will be able purchase plants raised by local Master Gardeners. Funds from the plant sale will support the ISU Master Gardener program for scholarships, children’s activities and education.
“A free Butterfly Weed seedling will be given to all children in attendance to take home and start a pollinator garden of their very own,” said Faye Waterman, Palooza coordinator.
Adult and children’s education programs will also take place throughout the weekend. These presentations include:
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“Citizen Science Projects for Pollinators” presented by Amy Loving of Nahant Marsh. Nahant Marsh is a 265-acre preserve and is part of a 513-acre wetland complex that is bordered by the Mississippi River.
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“Butterfly Salad Bar” presented by The Quad City Botanical Center. The Quad City Botanical Center is a public garden that brings people and plants together in fun and meaningful ways.
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Master Gardeners will be giving presentations on a variety of topics including Magical Monarchs, Common Butterflies of the Quad Cities, Moths: The 2nd Shift Pollinators, and Planning a Butterfly Garden
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“Backyard Beekeeping” will be presented by beekeeper Phil Crandall who will be bringing an enclosed beehive for all to see.
In addition, the Davenport Public Library will have a mobile library booth at the Putnam over the weekend to issue library cards and provide books about pollinators and gardening to check out. Illinois University Master Gardeners will offer a fun children’s’ activity and gardening information at their informational booth.
The presentation schedule for the Pollinators’ Palooza weekend is as follows:
Saturday, May 20 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
10:15 a.m. - Master Gardener Trish Wilger, “Magical Monarchs” a 30-minute program for children
11:15 a.m. – “The Flight of the Butterflies 3D” on the Putnam GIANT screen
12:30 p.m. - Amy Loving of Nahant Marsh, “Citizen Science Projects for Pollinators”
1:30 p.m. - Master Gardener Ray Wolf, “Common Butterflies around the Quad Cities”
2:30 p.m. - Master Gardener Trish Wilger, “Magical Monarchs” a 30-minute program for children
3:30 p.m. - Phil Crandall of Crandall Farms, “Backyard Beekeeping” with his enclosed hive
Sunday, May 21 | Noon - 5 p.m.
12:30 p.m. “The “Flight of the Butterflies 3D” on the Putnam GIANT screen
1:30 p.m. - Dave Searl of the Quad City Botanical Center, “Butterfly Salad Bar”
2:30 p.m. - Master Gardener Dan Mays, “Moths: The 2nd Shift Pollinators”
3:30 p.m. - Master Gardener Ray Wolf, “Planning a Butterfly Garden”
There will be a charge to view the 3D movie but all other activities are free. For questions or more information on the event please contact Georgia Stear, events coordinator, at 563-336-7308 or gstear@putnam.org.
About the Putnam
The Putnam has been inspiring ideas, dialogue and interaction among people of all ages for nearly 150 years. And today, we’re better than ever with hands-on fun for the whole family. Launch rockets, climb into a tree house in Black Earth | Big River or go back in time to see our region’s history in River, Prairie and People. Also experience internationally recognized traveling exhibits or take in a movie in our National Geographic Giant Screen Theater with a screen towering six stories tall. Our welcoming team is dedicated to helping you discover and explore in a friendly and engaging place.
For more information about current and upcoming events, exhibits and movies, visit putnam.org.
About ISU Scott County Master Gardeners
The purpose of our organization is to provide home horticulture information to citizens of Scott County consistent with ISU recommendations. The organization also strives to increase members’ knowledge of horticulture through educational opportunities.
