(WESTMINSTER, Colo.) — Butterflies, bees, beetles, and spiders are often overlooked or seen as a nuisance, but experts from the Butterfly Pavilion call these creatures the "unsung heroes of Earth's ecosystems." The Butterfly Pavilion stresses that pollinators serve as the foundation of life itself—87 out of the top 115 global food crops depend on pollinators for survival. In an effort to raise awareness about the importance of conserving the precious pollinator, and to inspire more sustainable practices, the Butterfly Pavilion has created the Businesses for Environmental Excellence (BEE) Sustainable Partners Program. The program will educate and activate the community about environmental stewardship in Colorado. Five leading Colorado companies have already joined the initiative: Southwest Airlines, Baseline by McWhinney, Xcel Energy, Arrow Electronics, and 9NEWS/KUSA. “We are thrilled to have these leading companies onboard to address the threats to our state’s native pollinators and their habitats," said Katie Johnson, Director of Partnerships at Butterfly Pavilion. "Global warming threatens all life forms. As the premier invertebrate research, conservation, and education institution, Butterfly Pavilion is dedicated to helping organizations and their employees make a difference. We must all work together." To learn more about the BEE Sustainable Partners Program, and the responsibilities of participating companies, head over to the Butterfly Pavilion's website. “Butterfly Pavilion firmly believes that through collaboration with other important leaders we have the opportunity, resources, and responsibility to make a meaningful impact for these all-important animals,” stated Johnson.