Pollinator Palooza
Join a free festival with pollinator-themed activities
Date and Time
Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 10:00am - 2:00pmDescription
The Washington County Master Gardeners will host a free Pollinator Palooza on Saturday, June 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center
at 7303 Sharpsburg Pike in Boonsboro.
In a dozen tents at four teaching gardens, guests will learn why pollinators such as bees and butterflies are important and how to protect them. Visitors will learn how to choose plants to attract pollinators and beneficial insects, grow herbs for butterflies and appreciate heirloom and native plants.
Master Gardeners will offer free garden tours and talks. University of Maryland entomologist Maddie Potter will teach visitors how to create pollinator havens with native plants. Master Gardeners
will talk about beekeeping and growing herbs.
Children will enjoy face painting, a scavenger hunt and pollinator crafts including nature weaving, painted rocks and make-and-take caterpillar puppets. The University of Maryland’s traveling bug zoo also will give visitors and chance to get up close and personal with some interesting insects for hands-on learning.
Master Gardeners and representatives from the Monarch Alliance, Potomac Valley Audubon Society, Washington County Beekeepers Association, Sierra Club, Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ forestry division, Antietam-Conococheague Watershed Alliance, C & O Canal Association, Boonsboro Environmental Commission, Keedysville Green Team and 4-H will have educational displays.
Native pollinator plants will be for sale with the proceeds benefiting the educational programs of the Master Gardeners. Quantities are limited. Cash or check only.
Food trucks will be available and honey for sale by local beekeepers.
Volunteer educators with the University of Maryland Extension, Master Gardeners teach people safe, effective gardening practices that build healthy gardens and communities. They give educational talks, create teaching gardens, offer therapeutic horticulture programs, recognize Bay-Wise landscapes, and host information booths at community events.
For more information, contact Annette Cormany at acormany@umd.edu or 301-226-7526.
Location
Washington County Agricultural Education Center