ALBANY, N.Y. (WENY) -- New York is celebrating Pollinator Protection Week, and taking action to safeguard key pollinator species.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, pollinators provide about $344 million worth of pollination services to the state and add $29 billion in value to crop production nationally each year.

New York's ability to produce crops relies heavily on the presence of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.  That's why the Pollinator Protection Plan includes the development and expansion of the New York State Beekeeper Tech Team at Cornell University.

The team's 2018 annual report shows that since the launch of the program in 2016, there have been significant improvements in honey bee colony health.

"Their expertise continues to provide the State's Pollinator Task Force with valuable information on the contributing factors to colony decline," State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said.  "Their most recent report shows that the colony health management practices provided to our beekeepers is making a difference."

The state is also hosting a series of events for Pollinator Protection Week.  Events are listed below.

Wednesday, June 19, 1:00 p.m., Five Rivers Environmental Education Center - 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar, NY 12054

Monarch butterfly populations are declining at an alarming rate. These migrating pollinators face many perils on their trip to wintering grounds in Mexico. Pesticides and other factors are also contributing to their decrease. Come join DEC staff to learn more about this population struggle through an indoor presentation. Then join us outdoors to count these insects in support of the Citizen Science Monarch Larva Monitoring Program.

Friday June 21, 7:00 p.m., Five Rivers Environmental Education Center – 56 Game Farm Rd, Delmar, NY 12054

Flowers of the Solstice program. What should you do if you find a five-leaf clover? When is it dangerous to dream of daisies? Why did Native Americans call plantain, “white man’s foot”? Does any culture value dandelions? The valued cultivated plants our ancestors brought with them to the Americas are now a familiar part of New York’s wild landscape. On this exploratory stroll, DEC and participants will search out some of these flora pioneers and answer questions.

Saturday, June 22 at 10:00 a.m., Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Dr., Depew, NY 14043

Celebrate National Pollinator Week by enjoying a pollinator-themed nature story, followed by a guided walk to look for local pollinators. For children ages three to seven.

State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Events

State Parks is also running free events during Pollinator Week to teach young people about pollinators and the state’s native wildflowers that help support their populations, including June 17 in Point Au Roche State Park, June 19 at Rockefeller State Park, and June 22 at Point Au Roche, Long Point and Lake Erie state parks. Further event details can be found here.