New Bee-ginnings and pathways: Creating a pollinator extension program

While the Washington State University (WSU) Bee Program is actively researching some of the most pressing issues honey bees are facing to help ensure a bright future for honey bee health and food security, the program was missing a critical piece: dedicated Extension personnel. This presentation offers a pathway to building a solid foundation for an Extension program using the recently developed WSU Bee Extension program as a case study. Here, strategies for establishing networks, improving engagement, and measuring impact are demonstrated; these strategies are applicable to any type of new Extension program. To begin paving a pathway, clear objectives were defined, and steps were taken to break new ground. By visiting and hearing from Washington-based beekeeping and gardening clubs, refreshing our program’s website, and generating numerous avenues for the public to interact with our bee program, the WSU Bee Program engagement and reach has exponentially grown. Engagement from the public includes reading our new online blog, signing up for our email list, following a sturdy social media presence, collecting new educational brochures, watching instructive YouTube videos, attending informational events, and more. This new Extension program has also created reliable interchange and opportunities for our team members to get involved with communities and projects. By quantifying impact through survey collection, monitoring social media engagement, and gathering feedback from stakeholders, we are exceeding needs and continuously improving delivery of education in various subject areas. With a proactive, inclusive approach, our program is empowering stakeholders to make positive changes for pollinator health.