The Problem
Pollinators such as native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects are declining because of habitat loss, lack of native flowering plants, pesticide use, and lack of public awareness. Many people do not realize that pollinators need food sources throughout the year, especially in late winter and early spring when bees emerge and flowers may still be scarce. Communities also often overlook how landscaping choices can either help or harm pollinators. Without education and action, pollinator populations will continue to struggle, which impacts ecosystems, gardens, farms, and food production.
Our Plan
This project will educate the community and create pollinator-friendly spaces through hands-on outreach and beautification efforts. Planned actions include: * Presentations and demonstrations for horticulture students at South Georgia Technical College about native plants, pollinator needs, and sustainable landscaping. * A campus beautification day partnering with students to improve outdoor spaces by planting native, pollinator-friendly flowers and cleaning landscape areas. * Visits to elementary schools such as Marion County Elementary School to teach children about bees, butterflies, and how to build small pollinator gardens at home. * Demonstrations showing how to create affordable container pollinator gardens using pots, recycled materials, native flowers, and shallow water sources with stones for pollinator safety. * Continued support for families and community members who want help creating pollinator gardens at their homes. * Educational discussions about the importance of solitary bees such as mason bees, and responsible bee habitat support.
