MU Extension specialists and stakeholders in the field developed this unbiased, research-based curriculum, which includes hands-on activities and classroom presentations.

Topics and publications

  1. Insect overview
    • Insect basics
    • How insects grow and develop
    • Beneficial insects
    • Insect ecology
    • Insects as pests
    • Integrated pest management (IPM)
    • Plus specific information on monarch butterflies, Japanese beetles and boll weevils
    • For more, see MU Extension publication M401, Insects.
  2. Relationship between plant and pollinator
  3. Honey bees
    • Characteristics and life cycle of the honey bee
    • Habitats, communication and pollination
    • Controlling bee pests
    • Feral honey bees in the Midwest
    • Hive products
    • Should you keep bees?
    • Choosing a beehive
    • For more, see MU Extension publication M403, Honey Bees as Pollinators, Their Habitats and Products.
  4. Native pollinators
    • Mason and other solitary bees
    • Butterflies and moths
    • Fly pollination
    • Reducing pesticide use to benefit pollinators
    • When a beneficial pollinator is also a pest
    • Neonics
    • Citizen science related to pollinators
    • For more, see MU Extension publication M404, Native Insect Pollinators and Their Habitats.
  5. Pollinators in nature and agriculture

Check back frequently for information on upcoming trainings. For additional information, contact Travis Harper or Tamra Reall.