Two Service biologists from the Minnesota-Wisconsin Ecological Services biologists, Jill Utrup and Kelly Nail, reached out to students in the Twin Cities area at Garlough Environmental Magnet School's Environmental Explorers Fair. Jill and Kelly spread the word about imperiled pollinators, including the federally endangered rusty patched bumble bee, as well as the monarch butterfly. More than 100 students took turns spinning the pollinator wheel, where they answered trivia questions about pollinators and received further information on conservation.
Service biologist Jill Utrup assists a student in making a seed bomb. Seed bombs contain native nectar plant seeds, which are ideal for local pollinators.
After students and their families learned about these important and imperiled pollinators, students could get their hands dirty and take action to help conserve these species by making their own seed bombs! Seed bombs are created by combining clay, dirt and native nectar plant seeds into a small ball, which can be planted in any suitable location. While making seed bombs, participants were able to learn more about the importance of pollinators, and what they can do to help species like the rusty patched bumble bee. These seed bombs are then taken by participants to plant, and help provide habitat for pollinators!
