Tips for Engagement:

• Count on Your Farm: Designate a specific flowering crop or a patch of wildflowers/hedgerow on your farm for a 15-minute count.
• Observe Crop Pollinators: The Census data can provide insights into the pollinators visiting your crops, which can be valuable for understanding pollination services.
• Consider Pollinator-Friendly Practices: Reflect on how your current practices (e.g., pesticide use, habitat areas) impact pollinators and explore ways to enhance pollinator populations.

Activities to Build Momentum:

• Hedgerow or Field Border Planting: Consider planting pollinator-friendly hedgerows or field borders to provide habitat and forage for pollinators.
• Reduced Tillage Practices: Discuss how reduced tillage can protect ground-nesting bees with your local Extension Agent or other farmers.
• Attend Pollinator-Focused Workshops: Seek out workshops or field days organized by Extension or conservation groups on agricultural practices that support pollinators.

Utilizing Extension- and Research-Based Resources:

• N.C. Cooperative Extension Agriculture Agents: Consult with your local Ag Agent for information on pollinator-dependent crops and integrating pollinator conservation into farm management.
• Check out the NCDA&CS’s Pollinator Portal: Look for resources specifically addressing pollinators in agricultural settings.
• Research on Pollination Services- Integrated Crop Pollination: Access research findings on the economic value of pollinators to various crops.