The Buzz

This episode explores the relationship between agriculture and pollinator conservation, highlighting challenges facing pollinators in working landscapes and practical solutions that benefit both. Listeners will learn how practices such as cover cropping, habitat restoration, reduced tillage, and integrated pest management can support pollinator populations while contributing to resilient agricultural systems.

This episode traces the evolution of insect conservation from a largely overlooked field to a global environmental movement. Listeners will learn about key events, organizations, policies, and scientific discoveries that shaped modern insect conservation and continue to influence efforts to protect pollinators and other beneficial insects.

This episode examines the dramatic decline of the monarch butterfly, exploring the factors contributing to population losses and the conservation efforts underway to protect the species. Listeners will learn about the monarch’s remarkable migration, its changing conservation status, and ways individuals can support monarch recovery.

This episode introduces Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as an approach to reducing pest damage while protecting pollinators and other beneficial insects. Topics include biological, cultural, and mechanical control methods, as well as best practices for minimizing pollinator exposure when pesticide use is necessary.

This introductory episode explains the process of pollination, why it is essential for plant reproduction, and the important role pollinators play in supporting ecosystems and food production. Listeners will learn about different types of pollinators, the challenges they face, and simple actions that can help protect them.

This episode explores ways to inspire children and young adults to become involved in pollinator conservation through education, hands-on activities, citizen science, and community engagement. Listeners will discover practical strategies for fostering curiosity about pollinators and encouraging lifelong environmental stewardship.

This episode highlights native plants that provide valuable food and habitat resources for pollinators in the Northern Plains. Listeners will learn about a variety of prairie flowers and grasses, their growing requirements, and how to use them to create resilient, pollinator-friendly landscapes.

This episode shares ten practical recommendations for designing and maintaining a pollinator-friendly garden. Topics include selecting native plants, providing season-long floral resources, creating nesting and shelter habitat, reducing pesticide use, and engaging others in pollinator conservation.

This episode examines the mutually beneficial relationship between native plants and pollinators, highlighting how these species have evolved together over time. Topics include the ecological importance of plant-pollinator interactions, the benefits of incorporating native plants into landscapes, and the role gardeners can play in supporting biodiversity and pollinator conservation.

This episode explores organizations, programs, and citizen science initiatives dedicated to protecting pollinators and their habitats. Listeners will learn about opportunities to support conservation through volunteering, habitat restoration, advocacy, monitoring programs, and pollinator-friendly gardening.

This episode discusses practical strategies for incorporating pollinator habitat into urban gardens, balconies, patios, and other small growing spaces. Topics include selecting native plants, maximizing limited space with containers and vertical gardening, improving soil health, and providing habitat features that support pollinators in urban environments.