Success StoryChristian County Master Gardeners Turn Private Yards into Powerful Pollinator Habitat
Christian County Master Gardeners Turn Private Yards into Powerful Pollinator Habitat
Author: Kelly Jackson
Planning Unit: Christian County CES
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Plan of Work: Endorsing Environmental Stewardship and Promoting Green Living
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
This year, Christian County Master Gardeners took their pollinator efforts to new heights—educating over 270 community members and registering 33 acres of new pollinator habitat, a huge step forward in supporting at-risk species like the Rusty Patched Bumblebee.
The initiative centered around one key idea: every yard counts. Inspired by the Homegrown National Park movement—a nationwide call to restore biodiversity by planting native species in backyards and community spaces—the Christian County Extension Office prioritized teaching about keystone pollinator plants like goldenrods (Solidago spp.) and asters (Symphyotrichum spp.), which are vital late-season food sources for native bees.
To amplify the impact, Master Gardeners launched an educational campaign supported by two newly developed fact sheets and a dedicated pollinator habitat webpage. These materials were used at local events such as: Garden center open houses; NatureFest at Jeffers Bend; Garden EXPO; Audubon Society talks and "Beer Garden-ing" workshops at Hopkinsville Brewing Company.
In addition to classes and public events, demonstration gardens were planted at key community sites: Hopkinsville Brewing Company; Pennyroyal Area Museum and Pioneers Memorial. These visible, public plantings not only provide forage and shelter for pollinators but also serve as living classrooms and inspiration for home gardeners.
In spring 2025, the Master Gardeners launched a targeted campaign called “Plant Six Natives”, selling 30 curated pollinator plant kits. Each kit included six keystone species, and buyers were encouraged to register their new gardens with Homegrown National Park, joining thousands of others in a national movement to regenerate habitat.
The Christian County Master Gardener program continues to inspire action by showing that meaningful change starts in our own backyards. With more gardeners, schools, and businesses joining the effort, the county is steadily transforming into a thriving patchwork of native plantings—proof that grassroots efforts can truly make a national impact.
Stories by Kelly Jackson
Kentucky Radon Program: Christian County Extension Office Success Story
The Christian County Extension Office began partnering with the University of Kentucky College of Nu... Read More
Stories by Christian County CES

Use Less, Spend Less, Stress Less
During the Covid-19 pandemic Extension professionals quickly recognized the financial impacts that i... Read More

Nutrition Superhero Camp
The Hopkinsville Housing Authority reached out to the Christian County Agent for Family Consumer Sci... Read More
Stories by Horticulture, Consumer and Home

"Growing Together: The Success of Educational Garden Tours with the Washington County Garden Club"
Educational horticulture day trips with the Washington County Garden Club have proven to be a great ... Read More

Reduce Kitchen Waste With Vermicomposting
Participants in a recent vermicomposting workshop walked away with new skills, greater environmental... Read More
© 2024 University of Kentucky, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment