Native pollinators such as birds, moths, butterflies, honeybees, and other insects supplement more than $18 billion in revenue to 100 crops grown in the United States every year. Therefore, pollinators play a vital role in ensuring that Americans have an abundant food supply and a vibrant ecosystem. Sadly, native pollinator populations have steadily declined over the past few years due to loss of habitat and a number of other factors. 

To assist with this issue, the Warren County Extension Office and the Warren County Extension Master Gardener volunteers partnered together and offered fall garden tours of their certified Monarch Waystation to the public in October 2021. This event gave Master Gardeners the opportunity to showcase their pollinator gardens in hopes that more people would plant and grow additional pollinator habitats in the community. The Warren County Soil Conservation District also set up a table during the tours to promote more backyard conservation practices. 

Tours were offered on three separate dates and times in late October to give participants multiple opportunities to view the gardens. Interested participants registered for tours by using the Qualtrics survey online or by contacting the Extension Office to select their preferred day and time. The program was promoted on the Farm and Home Show through WBKO Channel 13, on social media, and through word of mouth with local garden clubs and other community organizations. 26 people of all ages ranging from young to old were attracted to the Warren County Extension Master Gardener fall monarch waystation garden tours.

Extension master gardener volunteers lead and served as ambassadors for the fall garden tours. During tours, participants viewed 7 raised bed garden beds with a fence located in the back to serve as a windbreak for butterflies. Participants also learned and observed of 200+ native plants growing in the Monarch Waystation area which serve as various host and nectar plants for butterflies. Master gardeners prepared materials ahead of time to assist with the tours. A brochure was created to give participants step-by-step instructions needed to establish a pollinator habitat in their own backyard. Display boards held several pictures to show the butterfly garden installation process as well as show the numerous pollinators who visited during the spring, summer and fall seasons. 

100 percent of all participants increased their knowledge about backyard conservation practices such as pollinator habitats, raised bed gardens, and native plant usage. A 6 month follow up survey revealed that 1 individual has incorporated a pollinator garden at home with milkweed and other native plants and one garden became certified as a Monarch Waystation. By growing more pollinator habits in the South Central Kentucky area, Kentuckians are providing a safe and healthy garden space to help them reduce stress, improve nutrition, and increase pollinator health with a robust habitat for pollinators!