Source: Blake Newton, entomology extension specialist 

Pollinators are essential to a sustainable and secure food supply, so we are making extra efforts to educate our youth about why and how they should care for pollinators. 

Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, bats, beetles, flies and other like species pollinate 75% of our food-producing crops. However, the future looks bleak for many pollinators as their numbers continue to dwindle. Researchers estimate that, across all pollinator species, populations have declined by 30%-60% over the past decade. A major reason for the decline is the destruction and fragmentation of habitats brought about by human activity in cities and suburbs. 

To raise awareness of declining pollinator populations and to inspire future generations to take action, Kentucky 4-H youth development extension agents are teaching young people about the importance of pollinators. Many 4-H clubs to provide basic educational information. We also have local 4-H groups that are taking conservation a step further and are successfully operating bee hives and installing pollinator-friendly gardens. Some youth will showcase these gardens in Cloverville at the Kentucky State Fair. 

The 4-H Bee Ambassador Program was launched in 2017 as a certification program to encourage and reward county extension educators who focus on pollinator education. The program was developed to support the 2017 KY Pollinator Protection Plan and its focus on the creation and preservation of pollinator habitat. Throughout the commonwealth, many youth benefit from the work of the Bee Ambassador counties by being afforded the opportunity toto observe beehives, pollinator gardens and day camps among other activities. 

UK honors counties for their commitment to the welfare of pollinators through the 4-H Bee Ambassador Program every year at the annual state 4-H conference as well as the UK extension’s 4-H Bee Ambassador Program website. (AGENTS: if your county is a part of the Bee Ambassador Program, this is a good place to talk about the specific things your county is doing to help pollinators.) 

For information about ways to support pollinators in your community, contact the (COUNTY NAME) Cooperative Extension Service. 

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability. 

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4-H