Generation Wild, a movement from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) that seeks to reconnect kids with nature, is calling on Colorado’s kids to help Save the Bees this summer.
Generation Wild is distributing over 100,000 free packets of Wilderflower seeds — a nod to Generation Wild’s friendly spokescreature, Wilder — and is encouraging kids and families to plant the seeds in their backyards. Wilderflower packets are now available for pickup at local libraries and more partner locations across the state.
This initiative aims to make our state more beautiful, more ecologically diverse and more friendly to our pollinator friends — all while re-wilding Colorado’s kids.
“The Western Bumblebee population has declined in Colorado by 72% (CBS News), and we’re calling on kids across Colorado to Bee the Change!,” said GOCO Executive Director Jackie Miller. “Through this effort, kids will be empowered to improve the environment and learn firsthand what helps our local ecosystems thrive. Most importantly, they’ll be outside engaging with nature in a fun and personal way — and Generation Wild knows that ‘Kids Grow Better Outside’.”
The Wilderflower mix was developed in partnership with Applewood Seed Co. and packets are now available for pickup at local libraries and designated partner sites including more than 80 Little Free Library boxes. By distributing 100,000 Wilderflower packets, Generation Wild is providing more than 56 million seeds for planting in every nook and cranny of the state. All seeds are regionally-native to Colorado, which is important for sustaining the living landscape of bees, birds and other animals. Additionally, Wilderflowers use less water than non-native plants. This is especially important as we strive to conserve Colorado’s precious water resources.
According to a new report from the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, 20% of Colorado’s bumblebees are now at risk of extinction. Even in a small area like a backyard, planting Wilderflowers can make a positive impact on the local ecosystem and provide native bees a healthy place to live. Wilderflowers are native Colorado wildflowers, which means they have adapted to our climate and soil, and don’t need pesticides to survive. (Pesticides are another key cause of the decline in bee populations.)
“Applewood Seed Co. was excited to jump in and help Generation Wild identify a seed mix that is native to the Colorado region and the American West, containing a diversity of flower species to attract and support Colorado’s pollinator populations,” stated Norm Poppe, CEO of Applewood Seed Co. “We hope efforts like this continue to educate the public on pollinator conservation and the need to protect our native bees and butterflies.”
With this initiative, Generation Wild is introducing the Bee Team, which will join Wilder out in the community this summer at various events for kids and families. Kids can join the Bee Team movement simply by spreading Wilderflowers in their own backyards and in public areas with approval.
For more information and a statewide directory for where to find seeds in every community, visit generationwild.com/wilderflowers.
Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) invests a portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds to help preserve and enhance the state’s parks, trails, wildlife, rivers, and open spaces. GOCO’s independent board awards competitive grants to local governments and land trusts and makes investments through Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Created when voters approved a Constitutional Amendment in 1992, GOCO has since funded more than 5,700 projects in urban and rural areas in all 64 counties without any tax dollar support. Visit GOCO.org for more information.
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