Partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension encourages gardeners to plant for pollinators

Cornell Cooperative Extension educators across New York State have developed pollinator demonstration gardens in response to public and scientific concern about the declining populations of native pollinators. Jennifer Stengle, Extension Educator in Putnam County, recognized that these gardens would benefit from interpretive signs that encouraged visitors to conserve and create pollinator habitats. In 2016, she received a grant from the New York State IPM program to collaborate with Cornell Botanic Gardens’ interpretation coordinator, Sarah Fiorello, to create sign templates for use by Cooperative Extension educators statewide. Four sign templates were completed in fall 2017 that focus on pollinator-friendly gardening tips, bee habitat, safe pesticide use, and suggested plants.? ?Signs have been installed in 6 gardens throughout the state so far. Jennifer felt the collaboration was valuable because “access to shared resources like these signs help CCE educators deliver a consistent message about the importance of pollinators and our roles in their stewardship.”

Want to create your own pollinator garden and share information with others? Click here to view and print the signs.