Indianapolis, IN – National Pollinator Week is underway across Indiana, and state transportation officials are highlighting efforts aimed at supporting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators that play a key role in the state’s ecosystems and agriculture.
According to the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), National Pollinator Week runs from June 22 through June 28 and is designed to raise awareness about the importance of pollinators and the steps communities can take to protect them.
INDOT says its updated roadside management program is helping create and maintain habitat for pollinators by encouraging the growth of native plants along state-managed rights-of-way. Officials said these efforts provide food and shelter resources for pollinating species while also supporting broader environmental goals.
Pollinators, including bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, and other insects, help fertilize flowering plants by transferring pollen between blooms. Their work supports the production of many fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other crops grown throughout Indiana and across the United States.
State officials note that pollinator populations have faced challenges in recent years due to habitat loss, invasive species, disease, and environmental pressures. Expanding native vegetation and reducing habitat fragmentation are among the strategies commonly used to support pollinator health.
INDOT said its roadside management approach allows certain native plants to flourish in appropriate areas, creating corridors that can benefit pollinator species while maintaining roadway safety.
National Pollinator Week was established to increase public understanding of the essential role pollinators play in food production and healthy ecosystems. Residents can participate by planting native flowers, reducing pesticide use when possible, and supporting pollinator-friendly landscapes.
Additional information about pollinator conservation and INDOT’s roadside management initiatives is available through the agency’s public outreach resources.
