At the request of the Missouri Prairie Foundation, Governor Mike Kehoe recognized the importance of pollinators to Missouri’s economy and natural resources by issuing a 2026 Missouri Pollinator Week Proclamation. Native pollinating insects are a diverse group that includes bees of all sizes, flies, wasps, beetles, butterflies, and moths. Without them, life as we know it would cease to exist. The State of Missouri recently joined a growing list of entities acknowledging and educating others on the vital role of pollinators to life on earth. Governor Mike Parson signed a proclamation officially declaring June 22-28 as 2026 Missouri Pollinator Week. (Megan McAdams photo)