How to Participate

In order to participate in I-Pollinate, follow these simple steps!

1. Complete The Training

  • Enroll in the online training here
  • If you do not have an account with Learn @ Illinois Extension, please use the “create account” button to set up your account.
  • Once you complete your account creation, you will be taken to the enrollment page. To enroll in the training, click “enroll me”.
  • To return to the course, use https://learn.extension.illinois.edu to log in to the site and the course will be in your dashboard.
  • You’ll receive a certificate of completion when you’re finished, and you may be eligible for funds to purchase your plants!

2. Register your garden

  • Upon completing the training module, you’ll be asked to register your garden.
  • Register here
  • Once we receive your registration, you’ll officially be an I-Pollinator!

3. Receive your garden assignment

  • We’re assigning different garden types – “best-selling” plants vs. “pollinator-friendly” plants – to participants to better ​compare different motivations for purchasing flowers and to compare if making the switch to ornamentals recommended for pollinators actually makes a difference
  • You’ll receive an email with your garden assignment soon after registering as well as a welcome packet in the mail, which will also include your garden assignment
  • Emails are sent periodically and welcome packets will be mailed in early June

4. Purchase plants and establish your research garden

  • Purchase your plants wherever is convenient for you! Just make sure the flowers are the color we’ve specified.
  • Check out the Plant Your Garden section of the website for more

5. Print some data sheets

6. Start making observations!

  • Head to your garden and make some observations! After you’ve recorded your data, you’ll find the data submission forms on the Quick Tools For Our Community Scientists page. Use those submission forms you find there to enter your data into the I-Pollinate database!