Indianapolis, Indiana – Indiana is buzzing with excitement as the state announces a new pollinator specialty license plate, designed to raise awareness and support for pollinator conservation across the Hoosier State. The plate, which will be available at Indiana BMV locations starting in 2026, is the culmination of years of work by conservation advocate Lisa Conrad.
Conrad, a native of Auburn, spent five years designing the plate and pushing for its official approval. Her efforts included educating communities about the importance of pollinators, creating native plant gardens, and teaching scouts and local gardeners about conservation. “I wanted a way to bring people together statewide and raise both money and awareness,” Conrad said.
Funds raised from the sale of the pollinator license plates will go directly to support Pollinator Partnership, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting pollinators and their habitats. Experts say pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other insects play a crucial role in the environment, helping plants reproduce and supporting agriculture, which makes initiatives like this especially important.
The effort to get the license plate approved nearly missed its deadline, but a last-minute push on social media and at local businesses helped gather 1,200 signatures—more than double the 500 required. Community members from across Indiana showed strong support, demonstrating the public’s enthusiasm for conservation initiatives and the importance of protecting pollinators.
State officials say the license plate program provides an opportunity for Hoosiers to contribute directly to environmental efforts while showing their support on the road. “This specialty plate is more than just a design on a vehicle,” Conrad said. “It’s a statement that people care about pollinators and want to make a difference in their communities.”
With the plate set to launch in 2026, Indiana residents now have a new way to help protect the state’s pollinators while supporting a cause that has gained momentum thanks to grassroots efforts and years of dedication. As the state prepares for its release, the hope is that it will inspire even more Hoosiers to take action in their own communities, whether by planting native flowers, supporting conservation programs, or spreading awareness about the critical role pollinators play in everyday life.
This new specialty plate reflects the power of community-driven initiatives, proving that with passion and persistence, individuals can create meaningful change that benefits both people and the environment.
