Results of agent pollinator survey

Sara Shields, Mariah Simoneaux

February 2025

According to the USDA, “three-fourths of the world’s flowering plants and about 35 percent of the world’s food crops depend on animal pollinators to reproduce.” Multiple factors, such as habitat loss, disease, parasites, and environmental contaminants, have all contributed to the decline of many species of pollinators. Pollinators that can’t find the right quantity or quality of food (nectar and pollen from blooming plants within flight range) do not survive. Over the past 30-plus years, numerous species of butterflies, moths, and native bees have been listed as either extremely rare or extinct.

As a response to this impactful issue, LSU AgCenter horticulture agents and Louisiana Master Gardener (LMG) volunteers have increased their efforts to educate others about the importance of supporting pollinators. This report summarizes the responses of 15 LSU AgCenter agents, representing 16 Louisiana Master Gardener associations, covering 29 parishes. The report collected information from July 2022 – June 2023 (referred to as year one) and July 2023 – June 2024 (referred to as year two).

• 87% of agents indicated giving one or more pollinator focused presentation and/or demonstration during year one. This number increased to 93% (14) during year two. Furthermore, one-third of respondents indicated having conducted six or more pollinator-focused presentations and/or demonstrations during both years.

• An increase in the number of pollinator-focused, hands-on workshops was indicated from year one to year two.53% (8) of agents reported having offered at least one workshop during year one, while 60% of agents reported having offered at least one workshop during year two.

• A decrease was noted in the number of pollinator gardeners planted when comparing year one to year two.87% (13) of agents indicated that they or their master gardener volunteers planted a pollinator garden during year 1 compared to 67% (10) during year two. Gardens ranged from 20 square feet to 10,000 square feet.

• Most agents, 87% during survey year one and 93% during survey year two, indicated that they or their master gardener volunteers incorporated pollinator plants into other existing gardens (i.e. school, community, etc.).

• During year one and year two 87% (13) agents shared pollinator-related information through social media and 60% (9) shared pollinator-related information through traditional media. Additionally, during this time 93% (14) of agents shared pollinator-related information with the public through handouts and/or printed publications.

• Since July of 2022 80% (12) agents reported receiving requests for pollinator presentations, demonstrations, and plantings from outside organizations, schools, etc.

• Several agents shared examples of pollinator-related programing offered in their parish(es):
  
• “We are a small group but try to incorporate pollinators in all or most of our program sites and outreach activities.” – Anna Timmerman
• “Each year during the Piney Hills Master Gardener Buds and Blooms Educational Conference at least one presentation deals with creating a wildlife habitat or planting to attract wildlife. In that presentation, the speaker will address planting for pollinators in creating a wildlife habitat.” – John Monzingo
• “I have a lot of native plant and native pollinator enthusiasm in my volunteer group that keeps this topic active. We actively promote our local Wild Ones club as a way to become informed and to get involved.” – Will Afton
• “Since the summer of 2021 a group of my master gardener volunteers have conducted an annual hands-on, pollinator workshop for youth. The workshop has grown in popularity so much that they now conduct the workshop over two days to reach more youth.” – Mariah Simoneaux

The public’s interest in pollinator gardening and supporting pollinators remains high. Agents and master gardener volunteers have done a good job educating the public through a variety of programs and publications related to pollinators.

As a result of this survey the idea of a Pollinator Task Force was developed. As currently proposed, the task force will consist of campus departmental staff, extension agents, master gardeners and other stakeholders. The task force will be responsible for providing pollinator-related educational information to agents and the public and will work as a team to secure grants to support pollinator-related programming across the state.

Thank you to the following agents who participated in the pollinator survey: Will Afton, Christ Dunaway, Mary Helen Ferguson, Bert Hammett, Keith Hawkins, Jessie Hoover, Maddox Miller, John Monzingo, Donny Moon, Clark Robertson, Cherie Roger, Mariah Simoneaux, Anna Timmerman, Joe Willis, and Mark Wilson.