DMV Support Pollinators plate wins national collectors’ award
The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles announced its specialty Support Pollinators license plate recently won the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association’s Best Plate Award for 2021.
The Support Pollinators license plate depicts a combination of vibrant colors, native plants, birds, bees and butterflies. Purchasing the plate for a one-time fee of $50 online or at any DMV location helps support pollinator habitat maintenance throughout Delaware. From the fee, 70%, or $35, goes directly to the Delaware Department of Transportation’s Environmental Stewardship Office to assist with creating, enhancing and preserving pollinator habitats.
“The Support Pollinators Plate bloomed from a collaboration between DelDOT’s Environmental Studies Office; Sen. Stephanie Hansen, D-Middletown; former Secretary of Transportation Jennifer Cohen; and the Delaware Native Species Commission,” said Jana Simpler, Division of Motor Vehicles director. “The process took about two years, and we were beyond thrilled with the final design. It’s really a stunning plate. We are so grateful to be recognized by ALPCA.”
"So much of the food we eat every day depends on the tiniest animals whose incredible work many of us take for granted, and one of the best ways we can protect the fragile ecosystems of these often highly specialized creatures is by making sure we are all aware of their importance," said Hansen. "That’s why I worked with Rep. Debra Heffernan [D-Bellefonte], Sen. Dave Sokola [D-Newark], and the Delaware DMV last year to create a special Delaware license plate for people who want to support pollinator habitat creation and conservation. While we didn't set out to win any awards, we all know how seriously Delaware takes its license plates, and I'm so excited this beautiful design is getting the attention it deserves."
ALPCA’s Best Plate Award Coordinator Gus Oliver said “Many of the members commented about the combination of attractiveness and how the plate number did not interfere with the design like it does with most colorful plates. I knew it had an excellent chance of winning the moment I first saw it.”
Community Relations Officer Susan Lee crafted the initial plate design, and Susan Detwiler, an author and illustrator from Baltimore, transformed the concept into the colorful work of art now available from DMV. To date, 531 Support Pollinators plates have been reserved since the June 2021 release.
To purchase any specialty plate, go to dmv.de.gov/VehicleServices/tags.
