Current research indicates that numerous pollinating insect species are threatened or in decline. The population decline of these insects has a direct impact on numerous fields and from an anthropocentric view the greatest impact will be on our food systems. The USDA states that about one third of global food supplies depend on pollinating insects. Loss of these pollinators will directly impact food stability across the US. From an ecological perspective, the increased decline in insect population disrupts the very foundation of ecosystem functionality. 

There are many simple steps homeowners can take to encourage pollinators and increase the suitability of their habitat in backyard gardens. The biggest hurdle to encouraging pollinators is the excess of information, both good and bad, that is available on the internet. To provide better and more accurate 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 speakers specialized in this subject and planned a two-day conference at Kentucky State University’s Harold Benson Research farm in Frankfort, KY. Over the two-day conference, 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, Horticulture Director 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.