Purdue Extension Floyd County and Spring Valley Beekeepers are celebrating the placement of two active beehives on the Purdue Research Park lawn. Pollinator Day is being held on April 30th from 10 am – 3 pm at the Purdue Technology Center in New Albany. The event is free to participants who want the opportunity to learn about pollinators and their importance in our habitat.

Classes throughout the day will focus on Basic Beekeeping, Early Spring Hive, Cooking with Honey, Installing Packages, Planting for Pollinators, and Pesticide Use for the Home Owner. All classes will be held on the hour in the Purdue Technology Building, with the first session of classes scheduled from 10:00 – 10:45 am.

Sunnyside Master Gardeners will be on hand to walk you through the Purdue Research Park Sensory Garden, a wonderful foliage experience. They will explain which plants and flowers should be planted to attract pollinators.

Beekeepers will take you on an informational tour of the newly installed bee hives. This is your chance to get up close to working beehives and talk to seasoned beekeepers about honey bees and honey production.

Youth can participate in the 4-H “Honey Bee Challenge”, which engages youth in connecting honey bees to the foods they eat, as well as learning best management practices and foraging behaviors. Activity booths will be available to make beeswax lip balm and learn how important pollinators are to our food supply. Free food and t-shirts will be available to those that attend, while supplies last.