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 discussing ways to get involved in pollinator conservation what conservation organizations are doing and how to participate. 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. 1. Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation: The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting invertebrates and their habitats. Founded in 1971, they take their name from the extinct Xerces Blue butterfly. Xerces Society focuses on a range of initiatives, including habitat restoration, advocacy, and research, to ensure the survival of various invertebrate species. They work with farmers, land managers, and communities to promote sustainable practices that benefit both people and pollinators. Visit Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation online at xerces.org to explore volunteer opportunities, join conservation programs, or make a donation to support their efforts in protecting and conserving invertebrate species worldwide. 2. Bumble Bee Watch Bumble Bee Watch is a citizen science initiative led by the Xerces Society. The program raises awareness about the importance of bumble bees, their conservation needs, and the role citizens can play in protecting these essential pollinators. Participants submit photographs of bumble bees, helping experts understand the distribution, abundance, and health of certain species and identify potential threats to their populations like habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change. Register as a citizen scientist at bumblebeewatch.org and submit bumble bee sightings from your area. You can also participate in identification challenges, learn about bumble bee conservation, and contribute valuable data to help researchers monitor bumble bee populations and guide conservation efforts. 3. Pollinator Partnership: Established in 1997, this non-profit is on a mission to promote the health of pollinators, critical for ecosystems and agriculture. The Pollinator Partnership focuses on raising awareness, conducting research, and implementing pollinator conservation programs. Some of their notable programs include: - Monarch Wings Across America, which targets the conservation of monarch butterflies by restoring and creating suitable habitat along the monarchs' migration routes. - Bee Friendly Farming, which promotes pollinator-friendly practices on farms that support biodiversity and sustainable agriculture. - the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC), an international conference that focuses on collaborative conservation and the promotion of pollinator health. - and National Pollinator Week, an annual event in June that raises awareness about the importance of pollinators and promotes actions to protect them. Visit Pollinator Partnership online at pollinator.org to explore volunteer opportunities, access educational resources, and discover National Pollinator Week activities and webinars. 4. National Wildlife Federation (NWF) - Garden for Wildlife: The National Wildlife Federation's Garden for Wildlife program encourages individuals, schools, businesses, and communities to create and maintain wildlife-friendly habitats which include native plants, water sources, shelter, and avoid the use of pesticides and chemicals harmful to wildlife. Participants in the program who certify their gardens, yards, balconies, or any outdoor space as wildlife habitats receive a personalized certificate and become part of a network of individuals contributing to wildlife conservation. To get involved with the National Wildlife Federation, visit their website at nwf.org to explore volunteer opportunities, take action on conservation issues, and join local affiliate groups. By becoming a member, you can support their efforts to protect wildlife and habitats, participate in advocacy campaigns, and access resources for creating wildlife-friendly spaces in your community. 5. The United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service The USDA-NRCS Pollinator Conservation Programs offer resources and opportunities for farmers, landowners, and communities interested in implementing pollinator conservation practices. The two most notable pollinator conservation programs are: the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, which provides financial assistance to farmers and landowners to implement conservation practices that benefit pollinators like planting cover crops, establishing hedgerows, and creating pollinator-friendly habitats, and the Conservation Stewardship Program, which rewards farmers and ranchers for their existing conservation efforts and encourages additional enhancements. For more information on these programs, visit nrcs.usda.gov to explore resources and opportunities for implementing pollinator conservation practices. 6. Monarch Joint Venture The Monarch Joint Venture is a partnership of federal and state agencies, non-governmental organizations, and academic programs working together to support the conservation of monarch butterflies and their habitats. MJV coordinates efforts across organizations to provide educational resources, workshops, and opportunities to contribute to citizen science projects in efforts to conserve monarch populations. There are several ways to get involved with MJV, including joining as a partner agency or organization, volunteering for habitat restoration projects and monitoring efforts, or supporting research. Visit monarchjointventure.org to explore volunteer opportunities in your area, and follow the NDSU Extension Pollinator Conservation Facebook page for details on monarch monitoring citizen science projects. 7. The Bee & Butterfly Habitat Fund The mission of the Bee & Butterfly Habitat Fund is to increase and improve habitat in agricultural landscapes with native wildflower plantings, grassland habitats, habitat corridors, and buffer strips. The organization provides native wildflower and grassland seeds, as well as technical assistance and guidance to landowners who are interested in establishing pollinator habitat on their property. Donations to the Bee & Butterfly Habitat Fund can help support their conservation efforts. Landowners who are interested in establishing pollinator habitat may use the program's website at beeandbutteflyfund.org to get started. 8. Monarch Watch Monarch Watch coordinates the Monarch Waystation program to encourage the creation of monarch habitats. Monarch Waystations serve as stopover points for monarch butterflies during their migration, provide nectar sources for adults and milkweed plants for caterpillars, and are completely free of pesticides. By creating these habitats, individuals and organizations can help support monarch populations and contribute to their conservation. Certified Waystations receive a certificate and a sign to display at their site, showcasing their commitment to monarch conservation. Visit monarchwatch.org/waystations for details about garden criteria and to start the certification application. As we wrap up today's episode, remember that pollinator conservation starts with each of us. Whether you're planting native flowers in your garden, participating in citizen science initiatives like Bumble Bee Watch, or advocating for pollinator-friendly policies, every action counts. Visit the websites of the organizations we've discussed today to learn more about how you can make a difference for pollinators in your community. Be sure to subscribe to The Buzz for future episodes, and follow us on Facebook at NDSU Extension Pollinator Conservation. Until next time, keep exploring ways to participate in vital pollinator conservation programs. Thanks for listening.