Meet Dr. Robert Michael Pyle: Keynote Speaker for the 2nd Annual Pollinator Festival
The Vancouver Bee Project is thrilled to announce that Dr. Robert Michael Pyle, an internationally acclaimed naturalist, author, butterfly expert, and founder of the Xerces Society of Invertebrate Conservation, will be the keynote speaker at our 2nd Annual Pollinator Festival! Join us on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Marshall Park in Vancouver, WA, for a day dedicated to celebrating pollinators and their essential role in our ecosystems.
About Dr. Robert Michael Pyle
Bob Pyle’s journey as a naturalist began in a rather unusual way: studying seashells in Colorado. Realizing this wasn’t the best location for marine life, he turned his focus to butterflies—a decision that would shape a lifetime of work protecting and studying pollinators.
Bob graduated from the University of Washington and was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study butterfly conservation in England. He later earned his PhD in butterfly ecology at Yale University, a cornerstone of his illustrious career. From studying the world’s largest butterflies in Papua New Guinea to working in conservation biology across the Pacific Northwest, Dr. Pyle has dedicated his life to understanding and preserving the natural world.
As the founder of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, the largest pollinator protection organization in the world, Dr. Pyle has spent over 50 years advocating for the conservation of insects that are vital to biodiversity and agriculture.
A prolific writer and storyteller, Dr. Pyle is the author of 30 books, including Wintergreen, Where Bigfoot Walks, and Butterflies of the Pacific Northwest. His poetic and thoughtful prose invites readers to connect with nature and explore the beauty of the world around them. He is also an honorary Life Fellow of both the American and Royal Entomological Societies, a testament to his immense contributions to insect conservation and education.
Dr. Pyle’s keynote speech at this year’s festival will delve into the fascinating world of pollinators, sharing insights from his decades of research and the stories of butterflies, moths, and other pollinators that enrich our lives.
Celebrate Pollinators With Us
Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and moths are critical to the health of our ecosystems, yet they face increasing threats from habitat loss and climate change. The Pollinator Festival brings the community together to celebrate these vital creatures and learn how we can protect them.
This year’s event will feature:
Keynote Speech by Dr. Robert Michael Pyle: A deep dive into the lives of pollinators and how we can all play a role in their conservation. We will announce other speakers soon!
Guided Nature Walks: Explore Marshall Park, the Clark Public Utilities pollinator garden, VITA Elementary green schoolyard, and the Clark College Bee Campus pollinator meadows and learn to identify local pollinators in their natural habitats.
Kids’ Zone: Enjoy Harper’s Playground at Marshall Park. Fun and educational activities to inspire the next generation of pollinator advocates. More on this soon!
Local Vendors and Food Trucks: Enjoy delicious food and shop for eco-friendly products.
Community Booths: Meet organizations dedicated to protecting the environment and promoting sustainability.
Event Details
📅 When: Saturday, June 21, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
📍 Where: Marshall Park (1069 E McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98663)
Don’t Miss Out!
Whether you’re a lifelong nature lover or just starting to explore the world of pollinators, this year’s Pollinator Festival is an event you won’t want to miss. Dr. Pyle’s keynote will inspire and educate, while the festival’s activities will provide fun for the whole family.
Save the date and come celebrate with us as we honor the essential work of pollinators and the people dedicated to protecting them. Together, we can make a difference for bees, butterflies, and the ecosystems they support.
For more information and updates, visit the Vancouver Bee Project website or follow us on social media. The Pollinator Festival website will be available starting in mid-February!
We can’t wait to see you there! 🐝🌸🦋
