By: Megan Jones, Home Horticulture Extension Agent I
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System welcomed 33 participants to the Dale County Extension Office on July 1 for the Pollinator Partners of Alabama Certification Training. The workshop brought together Master Gardeners, agriscience educators, gardeners, and community members who share a passion for protecting Alabama’s valuable pollinators.
Throughout the day, participants learned about Alabama’s native pollinators, the important role they play in supporting our ecosystems and food supply, how to identify common pollinating insects, and simple ways to create pollinator-friendly landscapes at home, schools, and in their communities. Each participant completed the training and became a certified Pollinator Partner of Alabama, receiving educational materials and resources to continue promoting pollinator conservation.
The statewide Pollinator Partners of Alabama program was organized by Bethany O’Rear, Home Horticulture Extension Agent III, and planned for the Southeast Set by Megan Jones Home Horticulture Extension Agent I, in conjunction with the Great Southeast Pollinator Census. Special thanks to Alabama Power and Tiger Giving Day for their generous support of this educational initiative. Also, shout out to the other educational speakers, Dr. Selina Bruckner Assistant Extension Professor – Entomology & Plant Pathology, Dr. Sonja Thomas Extension Specialist II – Pesticide Safety Education Coordinator, and Emily Wismer Home Horticulture Extension Agent I.
Alabamians can continue supporting pollinators by participating in the upcoming Great Southeast Pollinator Census, held August 21–22. The census is a fun, family-friendly community science project that only requires participants to observe a flowering plant for 15 minutes and record the pollinators they see. Whether in a backyard garden, school landscape, park, or community space, every observation helps researchers better understand pollinator populations across the Southeast.
Anyone interested in participating can learn more about the census, download counting guides, and register to take part through the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Every count contributes valuable data that helps protect pollinators and the habitats they depend on.
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System appreciates everyone who attended the workshop and looks forward to seeing even more residents become involved in pollinator conservation through the Great Southeast Pollinator Census this August.
Visit https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/lawn-garden/join-alabama-for-the-great-southeast-pollinator-census/
Or www.gsepc.org for more information!
Images below are from the July 1 training at Dale County Extension. (Alabama Extension).
