Innovative Approaches to Educate Community about Preserving Habitats for Pollinators at Parks

About the Program

Category: Civic Education and Public Information (Best in Category)

Year: 2020

The Miami-Dade County Cooperative Extension Service in partnership with PROS Department, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and in collaboration with business and community partners, developed and implemented a multifaceted educational programming titled “Innovative Approaches to Educate Community about Preserving Habitats for Pollinators at Parks.” Created in 2017, this program targets youth and adults with a variety of approaches combining education with hands-on planting and restoring pollinators’ habitats at the County parks, promoting awareness about the importance of pollinators. The main goal of this multifaceted approach is educating the community and promoting environmental awareness about pollinators and their habitats. In 2018 and 2019 additional components were added to include National Recreation and Parks Association’s “Parks for Pollinators” grant and the National Football League “NFL Green” bringing additional funding and more participants to this educational programming. Over 7,000 K-12 grade youth participated in various educational programs conducted at schools, afterschool programs, and summer camps. 15 Pollinator habitats were planted/restored at Miami-Dade County parks. The public overwhelmingly supported Cooperative Extension’s and PROS educational programs that help pollinators and pollinator health.