Current research indicates numerous pollinating insect species are threatened or in decline. The USDA states that about one third of global food supplies depend on pollinating insects. There are many simple steps homeowners can take to encourage pollinators in backyard gardens. To provide more education around the topic, horticulture agents from Fayette, Franklin and Woodford counties planned our annual Extension Master Gardener Conference to focus on pollinators. We selected and tapped speakers known for this subject and planned a two-day conference at Kentucky State University’s Harold Benson Research farm in Frankfort, KY. For two days 160 Extension Master Gardener Volunteers from all around the state attended lectures and tours that provided detailed information about pollinator preservation.  

The programs featured University Specialists from Forestry, Horticulture and Entomology and a keynote address by TV personality, Patrick McMillan, of Juniper Level Botanic gardens. The programs were timely and very well received. In a follow up survey of participants, 97% indicated they had increased their knowledge of pollinator preservation techniques and 96% indicated they would implement some of the strategies learned in their home gardens. In addition to the first-hand knowledge gained we know that our dedicated Extension volunteers will share the information with many others in their home communities.