Growing Together: Open Forum

Hoping to see many of you at tomorrow's Community Chat on beneficial bugs! Feel free to drop your questions here or register for the recording of the Chat if you can't attend.

We can chat about managing "bug-phobia", tips for attracting "good" bugs, bug-related lessons and activities, and anything else you'd like to discuss. From those new to gardening to seasoned educators, everyone is welcome!

Register here (June 20th, 3-4PM ET)

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Amelia Dupuis
Kids Garden Community Manager
KidsGardening
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Another amazing Community Chat yesterday! Thank you to everyone who shared questions beforehand and to those of you who joined and shared some great ideas! 

The recording is attached and below are the time stamps and links to many of the resources that were mentioned during this Chat. And just a little plug to watch the first half of the recording if you're interested in how to address bug fears in kids - @Noel Nicholas (She/Her/Hers) gave an amazing explanation of how she handles this in her programming.

Time Stamps

8:30 - What is a beneficial bug?

12:30 - Tips for helping kids (and adults) overcome bug fears and phobias

36:30 - Bug activities and attracting bugs to the garden

51:35 - Tips for a pesticide-free garden

 

Resources shared during the Chat:

For lessons and activities:

• Bugs in Balance (NEW lesson plan from KidsGardening)

• Pollinator Water Station (NEW activity from KidsGardening)

• Pollinator Activity Book (this is a paid download from KidsGardening with 50 pages of facts and activity sheets about 12 important pollinators)

• Attract Ground Beetles

• Insect Safari

• Bug Hunt

• Love for the Bugs

 

For native planting guides

• Ecoregional Planting Guides from Pollinator Partnership

• Pollinator-Friendly Native Plant Lists from Xerces Society

 

Children's books

• The Bug Girl (A True Story)

• The Bug Girl (Maria Merian's Scientific Vision)

 

Other related resources:

• Wildlife Habitat Certification

• Xerces Society (many great resources related to insects)

• Pollinator Webinar! (on June 22 hosted by the USDA People's Garden)

• Funding and giveaways for seeds/native gardens/pollinator gardens (check out the funding opportunities library)

• Open Now! Bee Wild Contest ($200 for a pollinator garden)

• Open Now! Native Wildflower Seed Grants (for large-scale habitat projects)

 

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Amelia Dupuis
Kids Garden Community Manager
KidsGardening
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