Creating Diverse Habitat for Pollinators and other Beneficial Insects

NC State University, in collaboration with N.C. Cooperative Extension and the NC Botanical Garden, was awarded a two-year grant from the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program to study pollinator and beneficial insect habitat on farms. The team will present a workshop on January 28, 2026 from 2:00-5:00 pm to share results from this project. Drawing on lessons learned over the three years, the team developed practical guidance and recommendations for getting started, which will be shared during this workshop.

Presentations:

Introduction: A Guide to Creating Diverse Habitat for Pollinators and Other Beneficial Insects
Dr. Hannah K. Levenson, Research Scholar, North Carolina State University

The Who, What, and How of Native Bees
Dr. Hannah K. Levenson, Research Scholar, North Carolina State University

Non-Bee Neighbors in the Garden
Dr. Hannah K. Levenson, Research Scholar, North Carolina State University

Selecting Plant Species for Pollinators and other Beneficial Insects
Debbie Roos, Agricultural Extension Agent, Chatham County Center of North Carolina Cooperative Extension

Where to Source Plants
Dan Stern, Director of Horticulture, North Carolina Botanical Garden

Recommended Pollinator Habitat Layout and Species List
Becca Wait, Curator, North Carolina Botanical Garden

Habitat Installation Guidelines
Shakita Holloway, Horticultural Technician, North Carolina Botanical Garden

Maintenance Recommendations for Pollinator Habitat
Ali Touloupas, Conservation Grower, North Carolina Botanical Garden

Farmer Experience
Howard Allen (Faithfull Farms), Meredith Leight (Granite Springs Farm), and Millard and Connie Locklear (New Ground Farms)

Habitat Establishment and Insect Visitation
Dr. Hannah K. Levenson, Research Scholar, North Carolina State University

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Host or Publisher N.C. Cooperative Extension, Chatham County