MSU Extension Master Gardener (EMG) volunteers play an important role in protecting pollinators by educating communities about their value and how to support them. Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other insects are essential for the reproduction of many plants, including food crops. By promoting pollinator-friendly practices—such as planting native flowers, reducing pesticide use, and creating habitat—MSU EMGs help ensure these vital species can thrive. Their outreach supports healthier ecosystems, food security, and biodiversity in both urban and rural areas.
The following resources include curricula, printable teaching materials, videos and educational signage to help you raise awareness and inspire others to protect pollinators.
Michigan Pollinator Initiative – A website created by MSU that has a wealth of resources including information about programs and events, planting bee gardens, lawns and landscapes, information about native bees and honeybees, and more.
MSU Pollinator Champions course A free, self-paced online course offered by MSU. This course is a way for you to learn more about pollinators, and is also a course you can tell others about who want to learn more.
Common Bees of Michigan: A two-page printable resource to hand out at events.
Building and Managing Bee Hotels for Wild Bees: An eight page resource that covers how to build, clean and manage bee hotels.
Nests for Native Bees: A two-page resource that discusses how to make nesting sites for native bees.
Wild Bee Identification cards: Printable cards with important identification information for nine common bees of Michigan
Common Flower Visitors in Michigan Ten printable garden signs to educate people about common bees and butterflies in Michigan.
Bees of Ohio: A field Guide A 126-page resource that helps identify bees of the eastern United States and Canada.
Smart Gardening tip sheets about pollinators
- Smart Gardening to support monarchs
- Smart lawn care to protect pollinators
- Gardening for pollinators: Smart plants to support pollinators
- Smart Gardening: Invite pollinators by creating a smart habitat
- Smart Gardening: Smart lawn alternatives to protect pollinators
- Smart Gardening: Know the insects that look like bees
- Smart Gardening: What makes a pollinator rare or endangered?
Videos
Planning and Planting a Native Plant Pollinator Garden A 40 minute video explaining what a pollinator garden is and how to create one with Kristine Hahn.
Native Bees of Michigan An hour-long video discussing some of the wild bees of Michigan with Nate Walton.
Bumble bees of the Great Lakes Region: Buzzing away or here to stay? An hour-long video presentation by David Lowenstein about the bumble bees of the Great Lakes region.
Articles
Pollinator supportive trees and shrubs for farm and orchard windbreaks. This article deals with plants that make good additions to any landscape that support pollinator health.
Print
Email