Our Impact
Promoting Pollinators with a Tree Give Away
Summary:
Providing Trees to Fayette County citizens to encourage protection and conservation of our pollinators.
Situation:
Pollinators continue to face habitat loss due to many challenges in our environment. Providing opportunities for homeowners to incorporate suitable plants into their landscapes allows for pollinator conservation as well as landscape beautification. Additionally, providing proper knowledge about planting and care will allow for continued enjoyment and environmental enhancement for the lifespan of the plant.
Response:
To help increase pollinator awareness and host/nectar sources for pollinators, the Fayette County ANR agent hosted a 2024 Tree give Away on Georgia Arbor Day. Trees were selected that had an environmental impact to pollinators to include tulip poplar, redbud, and American persimmon.
Tulip Poplar: Valuable for birds, bees, and butterflies. Host plant for the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) Red bud-Valuable for bees American Persimmon- Valuable for birds, bees and mammals.
UGA publications (C. 784 and C. 1013) were given out with trees to provide additional details about the growth and care of new saplings. Educational displays were designed to show how to properly plant the bare root saplings in the ground as well as information about soil testing and other Extension services.
Remaining trees were given out to participants at the spring Inman Antique Expo in March. The ANR agent utilized Master Gardener Extension Volunteers to develop an educational pollinator booth with youth activities, and information shared to event patrons about pollinators.
Impact:
Each event was well attended with a combined participation of 553 people. Over the course of these two activities, 500 trees supporting pollinators were given out. At each event, people were excited to have a tree and learn a bit about how they can improve their landscapes for pollinators. One participant reached out a month later about her trees: “Just a note to thank you for the redbud tree I received through your free tree give-away. I have enclosed a picture of the little guy, already showing off with the beginning of 8 branches with leaves. My daughter is having an equal amount of success with her redbud, and we are so thrilled to be part of this program. Thank you and Happy Easter to you all.”~ Y. Cassidy.
This is just one way we can help to increase resources for pollinators. Providing information or the opportunity through plant material, might encourage people to plant more to help pollinators.