In order to participate in I-Pollinate, follow these simple steps!
-
- Complete a training session
This year you have the option to participate in either in-person or online training to ensure you are well-versed in data collection and insect differentiation
- Complete a training session
-
- Online training
- Instructions
-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 the “enroll me”.
– To return to the course, use https://learn.extension.illinois.edu to login to the site and the course will be in your dashboard.
- Instructions
- Online training
-
-
- 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. Start collecting data!
-
- Beginning in June, collect data on pollinator visitation to your plants, look for milkweed usage by monarchs, and take photos of bumble bees for BeeSpotter
- Use the Record and Report Data page on the website for more details