National Pollinator Week Crafts

For the past 11 years, the third week in June has been designated “National Pollinator Week.” This period is used to celebrate pollinators, the insects and animals that pollinate plants and contribute to the food supply, and to spread awareness of their declining populations. Pollinator Week has since grown into an international celebration of the ecological importance of bees, bats, birds, butterflies and beetles.

Pollinators are responsible for so many of our favorite foods, including berries, apples, oranges and almonds, as well as being a vital part of a healthy ecosystem. The issue of these declining species is overwhelming to many, but doing your part for our pollinators is as simple as heading out to your garden and planting some native plants.

This year, June 18-24 is National Pollinator Week. Check out these fun recycled craft ideas to show a little love and respect for our valuable pollinating species.

Insect Hotel

Insect hotels are important for any healthy garden. They provide a safe home for bees, wasps, butterflies, ladybugs and moths throughout the long winter, as well as shelter for the rest of the year, so they’re always available for your garden. A little research on the types of homes your desired insects prefer will help you determine your materials, but generally, everything you need for this adorable insect hotel can be found around your home or at a thrift shop.

Instructions credit: Inhabitat.

Wildlife Chilling Stations

We’re not the only ones to feel the heat of summer. The many inhabitants of your garden, such as birds, toads and butterflies, benefit from having food, shelter, water and protection from toxic sprays and lawnmowers, as well as cooling stations to keep them comfortable in the extreme heat of summer. These chilling stations take little effort, but they make a big difference to the critters that share your backyard.

Instructions credit: The Humane Society.

Recycled Bottle Bird House

Bird houses can be made from a variety of materials, but these cute bird houses made from recycled bottles are a great way to attract birds to your yard and keep them safe with little impact and a lot of style.

Instructions credit: Lushome.

Bat House

Bats are vital to the ecosystem and are responsible for pollination and natural pest control, but they’re threatened by loss of habitat and deforestation. Putting a bat house in your yard will help you keep mosquitoes and other damaging pests at bay, while also providing a safe, comfortable home for the bats in your area. This activity is “green” already, but it’s also a great way to repurpose recycled wood or wood from old furniture, provided it’s non-toxic.

Instructions credit: DIY Network.

Recycled Plate Bird Bath

Bird baths are an important addition to any garden, but it’s difficult to find one with a unique pattern or design. With a little work, however, a beautiful bird bath can be made from an old plate or platter from a vintage shop or thrift store to give it new life and a new purpose.

Instructions credit: HGTV.

Birdseed Ornaments

Birdseed crafts are fun for adults and children alike. These ornaments will attract birds to your yard and use recyclable materials like empty cereal or pasta boxes, which makes them the perfect craft for Earth Day.

Instructions credit: Crafts by Amanda.

Wine Bottle Hummingbird Feeder

This simple craft is made from recycled materials and will undoubtedly attract beautiful hummingbirds to your garden. It only takes a few basic craft supplies, a bowl and a red wine bottle. Hummingbirds are attracted to the color red, so if you don’t have a red bottle handy, you can paint one to get the same effect.

Instructions credit: Mad in Crafts

Pollinator Garden from a Vintage Trash Can

Whether you only have a small urban patio or you want to provide the ideal place for pollinators in your backyard, this adorable pollinator garden made from a vintage trash can is trendy and colorful, as well as providing the perfect hideout for bees and other valuable pollinating species.

Instructions credit: Empress of Dirt

With any of these fun craft projects, you can provide a safe, secure home and natural source of food and water for all the bees, birds, bats and beetles we rely on for our food supply. Try out some of these crafts for yourself or let them inspire you to create something unique and beautiful for our pollinator friends. Browse our full collection of eco-friendly craft supplies to get started with your next project!