Iowa Learning Farms releases new Pollinator Infographic Series to inform and inspire action

AMES — Iowa Learning Farms, a conservation education and outreach program from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, has published the Protecting our Pollinators infographic series. Each document in the series provides accessible and fact-based information about pollinators as well as tangible actions that Iowans can take to support these important contributors to the local and global food web.

Designed to facilitate learning and discussion about pollinators, the infographics provide facts about Iowa pollinators and their importance. Additionally, the series addresses the causes for the dramatic decline in populations of bees and others animals that are crucial to maintaining healthy and life-sustaining ecosystems. Most importantly, the infographics provide suggestions for actions by individuals, farmers and landowners, and communities to protect and support recovery of pollinator populations.

“These infographics were developed in response what we heard in multiple listening sessions and workshops with Iowans over the past year,” said Liz Ripley, ILF conservation and cover crop outreach specialist. “One thing we want to achieve with this series is to provide anyone with an interest in pollinators with facts as well as ways that they can help pollinators thrive.”

The infographics in the series are focused on supporting pollinators in backyards and gardens, in communities and on farmland and public lands such as roadside areas and community green spaces. Sharing information about pesticide impacts, loss of habitat and weather extremes, the documents provide clear and approachable content that is easily consumed and shared with neighbors and friends.

“Building connections in Iowans’ minds between wildlife, habitat, food and the impacts of urban development, farming practices and reliance on pesticides, will help build a foundation that helps to encourage them to recognize the importance of pollinators and become a part of positive changes,” noted Ripley.

To learn more about the Protecting our Pollinators infographic series, please visit Iowa Learning Farms Pollinator Resources.

Funding for this project was provided by the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Sustainable Agricultural Systems program, project award no. 2020-68012-31824, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship/State Soil Conservation and Water Quality Committee.

About Iowa Learning Farms

Established in 2004, Iowa Learning Farms is building a Culture of Conservation by encouraging adoption of conservation practices. Farmers, researchers and ILF team members are working together to identify and implement the best management practices that improve water quality and soil health while remaining profitable. Partners of Iowa Learning Farms include the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources, EPA Section 319 Grant Program, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture and GROWMARK Inc.