by Lydia Holley March 24, 2025
Volunteers from Henderson County Master Gardener Association (HCMGA) led a science segment at Central Elementary in each of the four first grade classes to reinforce the message that flowers need help to pollinate, and the children can help the insects that help to pollinate the flowers.
Each first grader heard a story of a mason bee finding its new home. As the bee explored options by engagement with other insects, it ultimately found a place to call “home” in a habitat built for pollinators, complete with vegetable garden, clean water in a bird bath, and a pollinator house where the mason bee could lay her egg. The children in this classroom quickly grasped the application of habitat restoration. During the review of vocabulary, more than one child provided examples of pollinators and the life cycle of honeybees. I was impressed!
“Are you sure you’re not third graders?” I asked as the children giggled.
After the story, each child assembled and customized a bee house. Their faces were intent as they placed the pinecones, bamboo sticks and straws in the cans. They proudly showed us the finished product and were delighted to know they could take it home.
Mrs. Ottaberry’s first grade classroom has a sign posted outside: “Welcome … From tiny seeds grow mighty trees.”
That sentiment describes my personal experience with HCMGA. As someone who has just become certified, I feel like a tiny seed, but recognize HCMGA transforms my efforts into something that resembles a mighty tree. Deb Pascoe and Jean Russell guided me and Lisa Borjon in the process of spearheading this function. I thank them and the HCMGA Board for approving the project. Eighty mason bee house kits were prepared, and those who helped me were Master Gardeners Lisa Borjon, Nancy Bruce, Marion DeShazo, Amy Johnson, and Master Gardener Interns Sherry Burgdorf, Lois Leofsky, and Christy Worrell.
To properly offer kudos, one must go back further in time! Why were we at Central Elementary? In 2024 at the Fall Festival, Karol Taylor made a bee house with her children at the HCMGA craft table. She is a first-grade instructor and initiated the conversation with Lisa Borjon to collaborate. Thanks to all who made the Fall Festival happen! Why did we have a mason bee house activity last fall? Lydia Holley guided the 2023 intern class to follow-through with its project idea to build a pollinator house, specifically to attract mason bees. And from this project, we had the inspiration to adapt the content for an extension activity. Thanks to the intern class of 2023!
For more information, call 903-675-6130, email [email protected], or visit txmg.org/hendersonmg.