GOLDSBORO, NC — Honey bees, butterflies and other important pollinators took center stage Saturday as residents from across Eastern North Carolina gathered at Old Waynesborough Historic Park for Pollinators Day 2026.
Hosted by the Beekeepers of the Neuse, the free community event welcomed visitors of all ages for a day of hands-on learning, interactive demonstrations and family-friendly activities centered on the importance of pollinators to agriculture, gardens and the environment.
Throughout the day, guests had the opportunity to meet local beekeepers and conservation experts while exploring educational exhibits focused on honey bees, native pollinators and sustainable environmental practices. Children enjoyed games and treats from an ice cream truck while adults learned more about beekeeping and pollinator conservation.
One of the highlights of the event was the variety of live demonstrations, including honey extraction, wax processing, queen rearing and observation hives that allowed visitors to safely see honey bees at work. Attendees also browsed displays of basic beekeeping equipment, sampled local honey and learned about the many products produced by bees.
The event featured participation from numerous organizations dedicated to agriculture, conservation and environmental education, including Baxter’s Bees, the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS), the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Structural Pest Control and Pesticides Division, the North Carolina Native Plant Society, North Carolina State University’s Department of Applied Ecology, the American Red Cross, the University of Mount Olive, the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Wildlife Management Division and several native plant vendors.
Organizers said the annual event serves as an opportunity to educate the public about the critical role pollinators play in food production and healthy ecosystems while connecting residents with organizations working to protect these essential species.
Pollinators such as honey bees, native bees, butterflies, moths, beetles and other insects are responsible for pollinating many of the fruits, vegetables and flowering plants that support agriculture and biodiversity across North Carolina.
Held at Old Waynesborough Historic Park, Pollinators Day once again provided a fun and educational experience for families while promoting environmental stewardship and appreciation for the tiny creatures that make a big impact.
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