Promoting Pollinators and Native Plants - Extension Master Gardener Volunteers

Impacts /
2021 Annual Report /
Promoting Pollinators and Native Plants

Pollinators are critical for fruitful gardens, productive farms, and healthy ecosystems, but pollinator populations are in decline in many areas because of habitat loss. One of the most effective ways we can support pollinators is to provide habitat by planting the species they need to survive across our communities. Native plants are particularly important for native pollinators and wildlife.

Across North Carolina, volunteers with the Extension Master Gardener℠ program educate the public about the connection between pollinators, gardens, native plants and wildlife. Here are a few examples of how Master Gardener℠ volunteers encouraged residents to plant pollinator and wildlife friendly species in 2021.

Moore County

adults planting in a garden — Master Gardener volunteers install the Moore County Books and Bees Garden. Photo by Savanah Laur.
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Master Gardener volunteers partnered with the Southern Pines Public Library to install the "Books and Bees Garden" that provides habitat for native bees and beneficial insects. To extend the garden’s educational value, Master Gardener volunteers developed an interactive map and brochure to share information about the plants used in the garden, as well as general information about the positive impact of pollinators and beneficial insects.

Henderson County

volunteers planting a tree — Master Gardener volunteers install plants at the Western Carolina Community Action natural play area. Photo by Amy Smith.
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Master Gardener volunteers designed and installed plantings to complement a natural playground at a daycare center managed by Western Carolina Community Action. Low-maintenance, native plants were chosen to serve as teaching tools and to complement play elements made of wood, rock and other natural materials.

Montgomery County

garden stake identifying comfrey — Plant signage in the Montgomery County Pollinator Garden. photo by Kaitlyn Lamaster.
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A partnership between Master Gardener volunteers and the Montgomery County Beekeepers Association provided the community with a fantastic place to learn about both native plants and pollinators. Master Gardener volunteers renovated a large pollinator garden adjacent to a local art gallery and added signage that identifies each plant in the garden by family, genus, species, common name, and Latin pronunciation.

Sampson County

four volunteers pose for photo in downtown Clinton, NC — Extension Master Gardener volunteers in Sampson County promote pollinator friendly plants.
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At the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Sampson County center, Master Gardener volunteers created a pollinator demonstration garden to illustrate how homeowners, municipalities, businesses, and farmers can plant and maintain pollinator gardens in their landscapes. Four additional gardens are under development through the community.

Caldwell County

butterfly on yellow blooms — — View original

Practicing what they preach, Master Gardener volunteers challenged one another to add native plants to their personal gardens. The “Nature’s Best Hope Garden Challenge” asked Master Gardener volunteers to draw up a plan, list what plants they used, and take pictures of their progress. They also encouraged one another to share the challenge with a neighbor.

Learn more about how you can be part of the NC State Extension Master Gardener program!

2021 Snapshot of EMGV activity. 3808 volunteers. 158,634 volunteer hours valued at $4.1 million. 77,371 residents reached — — View original

2021 Annual Report

Explore the 2021 Annual Report to see more examples of how volunteers with the Extension Master Gardener℠ program share their knowledge to help North Carolinians learn and grow.

Planting for Pollinators & Wildlife

Explore these NC State Extension resources to learn how to make your property more pollinator and wildlife friendly:

Wildlife Friendly Landscapes
Landscaping for Wildlife with Native Plants,
Managing Backyards and Other Urban Habitats for Birds,
Butterflies in Your Backyard,
Reptiles and Amphibians in Your Backyard.
Planning a Wildlife Habitat
Native Plants Chapter in the Extension Gardener Handbook
Plants to Attract Wildlife - In the left column “Landscape” section, click on “Attracts” then choose the species you wish to create habitat for
Bees of North Carolina: An Identification Guide

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Written By

Charlotte Glen NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ Program Manager