This summer, I had the privilege of working with the Rogers Environmental Education Center in Sherburne, New York. As the oldest environmental education center in New York state, Rogers Center has stewarded 600 acres of diverse ecosystems and habitats since 1968. At their education center located in the heart of the main trails, Rogers offers a variety of educational programs and volunteer opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. During my fellowship, I served as the lead of the Great Pollinator Project. This project addresses the crisis of declining pollinator species through habitat enhancement, improved land management, community science, and education. I began my fellowship at a pivotal time for Rogers Center. As a recent recipient of $254,000 in funding courtesy of the New York Community Trust’s New York Pollinator Conservation Fund, Rogers is massively scaling up their pollinator habitat restoration.
This restoration project is important because pollinator species native to New York State, such as bumble bees and butterflies, are in rapid decline. Yet, they are an essential part of our environment and economy. Approximately 35 percent of the food we eat depends on the ecosystem services of pollinator species. Some plants, such as squash and tomatoes, can only be pollinated by native pollinator species like bumble bees. Despite their recognized importance, anthropogenic activities are causing the decline of pollinator species. These include habitat loss and fragmentation, pesticide and insecticide use, and our rapidly changing climate.
The goal of my fellowship was to advance the B-Team Project, the first community science initiative at Rogers, which was established by previous fellows Matt McGeary ’24 and Charlie Tourbaf ’25. This project provided Rogers with baseline data about the presence of native bee species within nine counties in Central New York. To build on their valuable work, I developed the Great Pollinator Project: Rogers Center Survey, which also uses iNaturalist and depends on the involvement of community scientists. This new project increased the scope of observations to include not only bees but all native pollinator species, including beetles, butterflies, and moths. To better target habitat enhancement at Rogers Center, the Pollinator Project Survey focuses on observations within Rogers Center only. This has a dual function. By increasing species observations at Rogers, we can understand what pollinator species are present, where species are concentrated, and what flower varieties they pollinate, ultimately to focus our restoration efforts. This understanding is crucial as Rogers takes on the ambitious goal of creating 25 additional acres of pollinator habitat. The second function of the new project is to get more people to visit Rogers Center! Through encouraging people to participate in species observation and identification at the center, we hope to share the beauty of the property and inspire them to create pollinator habitats at their own homes.
I decided to apply for a field school fellowship because I was eager to connect with the communities surrounding Colgate and apply my studies to the real world. As a double major in Environmental Studies and Sociology, my fellowship at Rogers perfectly fits within the intersection of these degrees. Half of my work this summer focused on field work. Every morning, I would set out on one of the Rogers trails to search for native pollinator species.
During the two months I spent at Rogers, I recorded 137 different observations and identified 36 species. This was my first time performing field work. Through this experience, I gained appreciation for the busy pollinators that support healthy ecosystems and agricultural economies. I discovered that through patience and careful observation, you can see that living creatures are present everywhere you look, from the sweat bee to the black bear and everything in between. Most importantly, I learned that though formal science is valuable, immersing oneself in nature and learning through observation is just as effective, and an engaging way to explore the world around us.
The other half of my work this summer was in community engagement. When I started at Rogers, the pollinator work being done was not visible to the average visitor. To spread the word about the Great Pollinator Project, I created two printed materials: a brochure and a field guide. I designed the brochure to introduce people to the Pollinator Project Survey and the field guide to walk volunteers through the data collection process. In addition to this, I created three interpretive sign mockups that will be permanently placed on the Rogers campus. These materials are essential to the longevity of the Great Pollinator Project Community Science Initiative. They will outlast my time at Rogers and are a resource for future project leads and volunteers. Throughout the summer, I shared these materials with current volunteers and tabled at the Hamilton Village Farmers’ Market to recruit future pollinator project volunteers. I taught volunteers how to use iNaturalist and worked with camp groups to teach children how fun and rewarding scientific observation is. While community engagement was at times challenging, even inspiring one more person to get outside in nature and get involved in Rogers’ programming is extremely beneficial.
I was amazed to see the crucial role the Rogers Center plays in the life of Central New Yorkers. So many people I met this summer recalled fond childhood memories camping at Rogers or experiences bringing their children and grandchildren to the center. Rogers and the community it serves quickly became an important part of my life and identity. As David Carson, the executive director at Rogers Center, says, the center feels like a living, breathing entity. It is alive with the love and care of the people who enjoy its services, and the animals, plants, and insects that call it home. I found that my role was much more than getting people involved in pollinator habitat restoration. Working with Rogers showed me that it is possible to create an outdoors where all are welcomed and can enjoy the mutual relationship between humans and nature. Rogers Center embodies the principle that nature and science should be accessible to everyone. My summer at Rogers Center confirmed that, beyond my time at Colgate University, I hope to lead a career in the service of empowered communities and a sustainable future. I am forever grateful to the Upstate Institute and all those who support their mission for making this experience possible. — Lulu Manco-Stenz ’26