Whitley County Cooperative Extension Office is educating the community about the importance and need for conservation of pollinators and their habitats. Pollinator numbers are declining but most importantly the bee population has declined the most due to habitat destruction, pollution, pesticides and disease. Urban areas can be revamped with pollinator gardens that are beneficial to not only bees but other pollinators such as insects, birds and mammals. In order to increase awareness, 4-H Youth Development and the Whitley County Beekeepers Association participated in educational session with Whitley County North Elementary School at the County Extension Office. 

There were 17 elementary school students ranging from kindergarten to 6th grade, 9 volunteers that included elementary school teachers and Whitley County Beekeepers. Multiple sessions were held that consisted of introduction to bee hives, honey extraction, wrapping up with the display of our two newly installed honey bee hives, pollinator garden display and a hike of our nature trail. Students identified many kinds of insects that were found in the garden and along the trail. After completion of the sessions, students gained knowledge on: what types of foods must have pollination to produce seeds for continuing growth, bee safety, parts of the bee hives, how honey is extracted, and different types of bees that are seen locally. 

Whitley County Beekeepers Association has installed two bee hives and a honey extractor at the County Extension Office which has counted towards points for becoming a Kentucky 4-H Bee Ambassador Program Certified County. Activities are taught throughout the year during school enrichment programs educating children and adults on pollination, mason bee house construction, conservation and reconstruction of habitats, classroom butterfly lifecycle release, and so much more.