Schedule

New Format for EMG College 2026!

Based on your feedback, we're trying something new this year:

• We've updated the EMG College format to deliver advanced training on pollinator conservation - the top community need identified in our 2025 survey. 

• In addition, this year's College will feature a hybrid delivery model to keep registration fees low and minimize travel, while still offering a rich learning experience through both online and in-person engagement.

Program Overview

• 3 live webinars (recordings available)

• 1 in-person workshop (choose your location)

• 12 hours of continuing education

View or print this information as a Google Doc.

Webinar Series

Led by Amanda Bratcher, N.C. Cooperative Extension Agent & Great Southeast Pollinator Census in NC Coordinator

May 27  |  10:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m.

• Webinar 1: Pollinator Conservation Essentials 

• We’ll kick things off with an introduction to pollinators and pollination. We’ll delve into the challenges pollinators face and start a conversation about how we can help community members protect them.

June 3  |  10:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m.

• Webinar 2: Who Are the Pollinators? 

• We’ll explore each of the major insect pollinator groups, including a deep dive into bees. We’ll talk about biodiversity and where we can find these insects, so we can start thinking about how our management practices impact them.

June 10  |  10:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m.

• Webinar 3: Habitat & Gardening Best Practices

• Our final webinar covers plant selection, garden design principles and landscape management practices that truly help pollinators and beneficial insects thrive in your community.

You will receive the Zoom link after you register 

• Webinar recordings will be available for participants who cannot attend the live sessions

• Plan to attend or watch the recordings of all three webinars before the workshop 

In-Person Workshop

Featuring hands-on learning related to pollinator conservation and community education, opportunities to connect with fellow EMG volunteers and Extension professionals, and practical tools to help you lead pollinator education in your community.

Two identical in-person workshops are scheduled

• One in eastern NC and one in western NC — to make it easier for volunteers across the state to participate 

• You'll attend only one workshop, and you can choose the date and location that is most convenient for you!

Greenville, NC

June 19 | 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
N.C. Cooperative Extension, Pitt County Center

Statesville, NC

June 26 | 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
N.C. Cooperative Extension, Iredell County Center

Workshop Agenda

The workshop will continue your learning and apply the information covered in the webinars, not repeat it.

Morning Session, 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

• Welcome and icebreaker

• Garden tour

• Station rotations

  • • Insect identification and pollinator count

    • Habitat assessment

    • Finding the right plants with the Plant Toolbox

Lunch, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. 

Afternoon Session, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

• Addressing common misconceptions with research-based information

• Encouraging behavior change through education

• Tools and resources to support local programming and community science

• Wrap-up and evaluation