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.