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<DIV><A
href="http://www.arlnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/pollinator-plate.jpg"
rel=lightbox[30723] jQuery17105813728929658046="66"><IMG
class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-30724" title="Virginia pollinator plate"
height=150 alt=""
src="http://www.arlnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/pollinator-plate-300x150.jpg"
width=300></A>A group of local nature lovers is hoping to attract support for a
new Virginia license plate with the inscription “Protect Polinators.” The
plate is meant to bring attention to the role pollinators — bees, hummingbirds,
butterflies, etc. — play in supporting the vitality of the earth’s ecosystem and
food supply.
<P>“So far we’ve had quite a lot of interest from Beekeepers, Master Gardeners,
Naturalists (including native plant and pollinator enthusiasts), and the Audubon
Society,” said pollinator plate organizer Samantha Gallagher. “Like all of the
proposed new Virginia plates, we need 450 applicants, the General Assembly’s
vote, and the DMV’s approval.”</P>
<P>According to the <A href="http://www.pollinatorplates.com/"
target=_blank>Virginia Pollinator Plate web site</A>, supporters have signed up
44 people so far. They need another 406 commitments by November 2012
to move on to getting legislative and DMV support. An electronic application can
be found <A href="http://pollinatorplates.blogspot.com/p/get-your-plate.html"
target=_blank>here</A>.</P>
<P>Gallagher says the purpose of the plate is not to raise money, but to raise
awareness.</P>
<P>“Our plate costs $10 annually and isn’t a shared revenue plate, but our hope
is that it provokes interest and conversation in pollinator conservation,” she
said.</P></DIV></FONT></BODY></HTML>