Kaylee Simons
Elmore Autauga News
When most people think about downtown revitalization, they often picture new businesses, renovated buildings and community events. In Wetumpka, those efforts also include creating spaces where butterflies, bees, birds and other pollinators can thrive.
From June 22-27, the City of Wetumpka and Main Street Wetumpka will host Wetumpka Pollinator Week, a weeklong celebration featuring educational programs, family activities and opportunities to learn about the pollinators that help support local ecosystems. The event is part of the City’s A Bridge to Blooms initiative and reflects a larger vision for creating a downtown that is both vibrant and connected to the natural beauty that defines Wetumpka.
“As a downtown revitalization organization, our goal is not only to transform spaces through placemaking projects but also to activate those spaces through community engagement and meaningful experiences,” said Haley Greene, Executive Director of Main Street Wetumpka. That vision helped inspire the creation of The Alleyway Pollinator Garden and Pollinator Week.
In 2019, Main Street Wetumpka transformed an underutilized gravel lot into The Alleyway, a gathering space that celebrates the art, culture and history of the city. Since then, organizers have looked for ways to keep the space active and engaging for residents and visitors. Greene said Pollinator Week grew from that effort while also highlighting an important part of Wetumpka’s identity.
“Wetumpka is known as the City of Natural Beauty, and that is evident throughout our community,” Greene said. “From the Coosa River and Fall Line to our parks, trails and green spaces, nature is an important part of what makes Wetumpka special.”
By incorporating native plants and pollinator habitats into downtown spaces, organizers hope to support local wildlife while encouraging residents to appreciate the connection between conservation and community development.
Throughout the week, families will have opportunities to participate in activities designed to educate and inspire. Events include Kid Town for Preschoolers at The Kelly Fitzpatrick Center, a Paint & Pizza Monarch Painting fundraiser with Sunshine & Pixie Dust, a pollinator presentation by the Alabama Nature Center, educational booths hosted by Elmore County 4-H, storytimes at Sweet Home Books and the Wetumpka Public Library, and a birding walk through Gold Star Park led by Dr. Shirley Farrell, president of the Alabama Ornithological Society. Greene said one of the goals is to help people understand the many ways pollinators impact daily life.
“We hope families and community members walk away with a greater appreciation for the important role pollinators play in our everyday lives,” Greene said.
She noted that pollinators support food production, local agriculture and healthy ecosystems, while a thriving downtown supports small businesses, creates jobs and serves as a gathering place for the community. The effort also highlights Wetumpka’s commitment to conservation. According to Greene, Wetumpka is the only Alabama city in 2026 to take the National Wildlife Federation Mayor’s Monarch Pledge, demonstrating a commitment to creating habitat for monarch butterflies and other pollinators.
“Most importantly, we hope Pollinator Week is fun,” Greene said. “If someone leaves inspired to plant native flowers, create a pollinator-friendly space at home, or simply look at the natural world a little differently, then we’ve accomplished our goal.”
Wetumpka Pollinator Week runs June 22-27. Most events are free and open to the public, though some may require registration. For a complete schedule of events, visit Main Street Wetumpka’s Facebook page.
