Course Overview
This course includes lectures on foundations of pollination ecology, including implications for conservation, unique pollinator groups, and functional traits. Lectures also include practical applications and checklists for provisioning resources that pollinators need to survive, such as nesting sites and floral resources. This course specifically highlights pollinators in and around New England, as well as regional considerations for pollinator habitat. Finally, this course also includes discussions on management: pruning, pesticides, aesthetics, site evaluation, and more. Students will come away with a well-rounded understanding of how to create and manage pollinator habitat, as well as educate others on the creation, maintenance, and importance of such habitats.
Example topics include:
- Plant-pollinator communities
- Beetle and fly pollination
- Common Massachusetts bee genera
- Pollen specialist bees
- Pollinators and pesticides
- Wild-type natives vs. native cultivars
- Male vs. female bees
And many more!
Instructors
With 14 total instructors and 10+ hours of instruction, the Pollinator Steward Course provides a balanced presentation of hot topics and core conversations in pollination ecology and landscape management. You will hear from experts, including:
- Nicole Bell (principal instructor and coordinator) - UMass Amherst Extension
- Dr. Robert Gegear - UMass Dartmouth
- Joan Milam - UMass Amherst
- Sloan Tomlinson - @thatwaspguy
- Dr. Aaron Anderson - Xerces Society of Invertebrate Conservation
- Sara Burrell - The Caterpillar Lab
… and many more, including various Extension professionals from around New England!
Registration
Registration for the fall 2025 cohort is now closed.
Registration for the spring 2026 cohort will be open February 1 - February 28.
The cost for the spring 2026 cohort is $299, all inclusive.
The fee gives you access to:
- 6 self-paced online modules containing materials and additional resources
- 30+ recorded lectures, including 13+ guest lectures from various pollinator experts
- Discussion boards and the ability to network, share, and ask questions with other students
- Opportunity to connect with both UMass Extension and fellow students via weekly virtual office hours
- Upon successful completion, a Pollinator Steward certification through UMass Extension
Course Details
This course is offered fully online, and it’s asynchronous, meaning you will have on-demand access to lectures and course content at any time, within a defined course period. Once registered, all spring cohort students must finish the program by May 31.
Technical requirements to successfully complete this course include
- Access to Canvas Catalog - Canvas Catalog is the learning platform used to administer this course. You will receive log-in instructions as part of the registration process.
- A suitable device capable of connecting to the internet - (e.g., desktop or laptop computer, tablet, smartphone; these are listed in the order of preference/convenience for remote instruction) with audio capability. A microphone and speakers are also necessary, and having a webcam is encouraged and will enhance the interactive experience for attendance at virtual office hours should you choose to do so.
- A fast and reliable internet connection – broadband wired or wireless (cellular connections are slower/less reliable in many locations). Zoom has a page about determining bandwidth requirements.
- Familiarity with Zoom - If you are a new user of the Zoom web-conferencing platform, consider practicing with family or friends. There are also a variety of YouTube videos that can be helpful. Note that Zoom is only necessary if you attend weekly virtual office hours.
Requirements for certification
- Complete all modules, including associated quizzes
- Complete final exam
- Complete pollinator habitat quality assessment assignment
- Complete end-of-course survey
Course curriculum
Module 1: Pollination and Pollinators (Ecology focus)
- Includes 3 lectures; run time 50 minutes
Module 2: Non-Bee Pollinators (Ecology focus)
- Includes 4 lectures; run time 2 hours
Module 3: All About Bees (Ecology focus)
- Includes 10 lectures; run time 3 hours
Module 4: Floral Resource Provisioning (Application focus)
- Includes lectures; run time 1.25 hours
Module 5: Nest Site Provisioning (Application focus)
- Includes 3 lectures; run time 45 minutes
Module 6: Management (Application focus)
- Includes 6 lectures; run time 2 hours
Wondering if the program is right for you? For questions related to program content, email UMass Extension Pollinator Specialist and program coordinator Nicole Bell at nicolebell[at]umass[dot]edu (nicolebell[at]umass[dot]edu)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this program entail?
Participants will complete 6 modules, composed of 30 recorded lectures totaling about 10 hours of content. Each of the 6 modules ends with a module quiz. A final exam will cover materials from all 6 modules. Additionally, participants will have the option to attend weekly virtual office hours to ask questions, network with other students, and share insights.
What is the overall level of this course?
This program contains university-level content, including a review of key ecological concepts like functional traits. The purpose is for students to leave with an understanding of why pollinators are important, risks they face, ecological reasons for why they may or may not succeed in different environments, as well as practical applications for habitat.
Who should take this course?
This program is for people that are interested not just in pollinator habitat provisioning, but for those who seek to understand pollinator ecology on a deeper level. This course is for those who seek to be stewards in their respective communities and share the importance of both pollinators and the habitat they depend on.
How long do I have to complete it?
Students have between 90-120 days to complete the program, depending on how early they register in the month-long open enrollment period. Once the cohort has closed, students no longer have access to video lectures. Downloadable PDFs are available with key points, as well as additional resources.
What is the habitat quality assessment?
Students choose a site, whether it be a home garden, community garden, park habitat, etc. to assess. Students complete a fillable Excel form, as well as complete a 1-2 page write-up with site photos. Typically, students should budget about 4-5 hours for the assignment.
Do I need a special device or technical skills?
Students need a laptop or desktop computer, and the habitat quality assessment runs the best on Microsoft Office's Excel. Though specialized technical skills are not required, it is best to be familiar with platforms such as Zoom and Canvas.
Is there state reimbursement for this program?
This program is not eligible for state reimbursement through the Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund Express Grants program. Unfortunately, asynchronous (on-demand) programs are not eligible for Express Grants.
Are there pesticide credits offered through this program?
We are not currently offering pesticide credits for this program.
Are there MCH or MCLP credits offered through this program?
MCH credit is available. MCLP credit has been requested.
What is the refund policy?
If the course hasn't been accessed within the first month, a full refund is available minus a $49 administrative fee. There are no refunds available after the first month or if the course content is accessed.
Here is what Students are Saying:
- “Highly recommend this course to others - novices, backyard gardeners, and professional landscapers can all benefit from the information learned in the course.”
- “As a landscape designer, I'm already incorporating what I've learned into my client's projects!”
- “Overall, this was a very rewarding experience. I learned so much and am eager to learn more. Nicole was fantastic. Both her lectures and her responses to questions.”
- “I learned SO MUCH as a newbie to pollinators and pollinator resources that I am already using every day. Although this course had Massachusetts/NE grounding, it was easy to use the resources and content to find Virginia/Piedmont Region info on pollinators and plant resources.”
The information on this web site is not presented as recommendations, but rather as research-based and expertly audited knowledge intended to help the user to make informed decisions. Content authors make no guarantees and assume no liability as to the efficacy of outlined practices or listed materials. The user of this information assumes all risks and liability for personal injury and property damage.
All photos by Nicole Bell and may not be used without permission. Please email nicolebell[at]umass[dot]edu to request permission.