Pollinator health is capturing national attention as concern grows over declining bee populations. Oregon forests are home to an estimated 300 native bee species, but much remains unknown about their abundance, habitat needs, and how to support them through forest management.
Oregon private woodland owners consistently rank protecting nature and biodiversity among their top reasons for owning forestland. While interest in native pollinators is growing, the topic is relatively new within forestry Extension efforts.
The course equipped Oregonians with the knowledge and tools to preserve native pollinators—an essential step in supporting healthy ecosystems, food production and biodiversity across the state.
In response, the Oregon State University Extension Service developed Woodland Pollinator Stewards, an online course designed to raise awareness of the role forests play in supporting native bees. Created by Extension forestry agents Lauren Grand and Brad Withrow-Robinson (now retired), and Extension pollinator specialist Andony Melathopoulos, the course combined nine hours of asynchronous instruction with five evening discussion sessions, online engagement, and a field trip. Participants completed a community engagement activity and developed a pollinator habitat management plan for their property.
As a result, woodland owners are improving pollinator habitat and contributing to scientific understanding of how private forests support native bees. Participants reported increased knowledge in several areas:
- 55% increase in bee biology
- 41% increase in managing landscapes for bees
- 85% increase in managing woodlands for bees
- 62% increase in knowing how to find support for pollinator management
Every respondent to the course evaluation reported that they better understand how to enhance pollinator habitat, found the course practical and enjoyable, and said it increased their ecological understanding and connection to their property. All said they are using or planning to use what they learned to implement new practices—and all would recommend the course to others.
To date, course participants have enhanced habitat across 1,719.5 acres of forestland and plan to restore an additional 902.5 acres within the next five years. Six of nine respondents reported creating pollinator habitat on 27.5 acres of land that had previously been unused or out of production.
One participant shared, “The learning was fun, applicable to my goals and important for good stewardship.” Another added, “I feel much more connected to resources that I know will be helpful in the future.”
This work is especially important in Clatsop, Douglas, Lane and Yamhlll counties, where private forestland make up a significant portion of the landscape and many residents are actively involved in land stewardship. More broadly, the Woodland Pollinator Stewards program equips Oregonians with the knowledge and tools to preserve native pollinators—an essential step in supporting healthy ecosystems, food production and biodiversity across the state.
