Welcome to The Buzz, your go-to pollinator conservation podcast! I'm April Johnson, the NDSU Extension Pollinator Technician, and in today's episode, we're diving into an incredibly important topic: engaging youth in pollinator conservation.

This podcast is supported in part by the USDA, NIFA Crop Protection and Pest Management - Extension Implementation Program, award number 2021-70006-35330. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the USDA. 

As stewards of our environment, it's crucial that we inspire and empower the next generation to take action in preserving our pollinators. From honeybees to butterflies, these tiny creatures play a monumental role in sustaining our ecosystems and food supply. But how do we captivate the interest of young minds and ignite a passion for pollinator conservation? Join us as we explore key strategies to foster a deeper connection between youth and the fascinating world of pollinators.

The first strategy is education: learn and observe. 

Pay attention to nature around you. Take children and youth to a park or garden to watch bees and butterflies. Provide them with pollinator identification guides and encourage them to observe different species. Discuss the life cycle of butterflies and the importance of host plants.

Explore children's books about pollinators. Reading together is a great way to introduce information about bees, butterflies, and other pollinators while spending quality time. 

Participate in local nature programs or workshops focused on pollinators. Many nature centers, botanical gardens, and Extension programs offer educational events suitable for children.

Visit local pollinator gardens, farms, or nature reserves. A few local pollinator hot spots in Fargo you can visit for free are the Horticulture Research and Demonstration Gardens at NDSU, the Children s Garden at the Northern Plains Botanic Garden, and pollinator habitat restoration sites all across the Fargo Parks district.

The second strategy is participation and advocacy. Now that you know, what are you going to do about it?

Create a Pollinator-friendly Garden: Involve children in planning and planting a garden with flowers that attract pollinators. Teach them about the importance of plants like milkweed for butterflies and provide opportunities to observe pollinators in action. Add a bee-waterer to the garden and watch the activity. Notice the diversity of species that visit.

Build a Bee House: Make a simple bee house together. Discuss the role of solitary bees and how providing nesting sites can support their populations. It's a hands-on project that sparks curiosity. 

Encourage children to share their knowledge with friends and family. Whether through presentations, drawings, or simple conversations, being a pollinator advocate can empower kids to spread awareness.

Engage in citizen science projects like monitoring bee populations or participating in butterfly counts. Many initiatives allow families to contribute valuable data while learning about pollinators, such as the NDSU Extension Master Gardener Monarch Monitoring training program, and the iNaturalist Bumblebee Watch. Sign up for 4H, local gardening clubs, or conservation and restoration projects sponsored by local non-profit organizations. 

And finally, remember to tailor activities to the age and interests of the child, ensuring that the experiences are enjoyable and foster a love for nature and conservation. The future of our planet rests in the hands of the next generation, and by nurturing their curiosity and involvement in initiatives like pollinator conservation, we're cultivating a brighter tomorrow for both humans and wildlife alike.

And that wraps up this episode of The Buzz. I hope you've been inspired by the discussion on engaging youth in pollinator conservation. If you're eager to learn more or get involved in pollinator conservation efforts, don't hesitate to reach out to your local extension office. Every small action counts, and together, we can make a significant impact on the health and vitality of our ecosystems.

Be sure to subscribe to The Buzz for future episodes, and follow us on Facebook at NDSU Extension Pollinator Conservation. Until next time, keep buzzing with passion for pollinator conservation, and let's continue to work together towards a flourishing planet for generations to come. Thanks for listening.