Carpenter bees, synchronous fireflies and hoverflies don’t often get the appreciation they deserve. But Polk County elementary students recently learned why these tiny creatures matter – and created art that will literally help them survive.
Champions for Wildlife returned to Polk County elementary schools for Wellness Wednesday, guiding students from kindergarten through fifth grade in exploring how art can support wildlife conservation. The session focused on what it means to be a “champion” and how students can use their knowledge and creativity to care for nature’s underdog species.
The lesson centered on misunderstood but critically important pollinators. While many people view carpenter bees or hoverflies as pests, these insects play essential roles in providing food for both humans and wildlife. Students learned that before fireflies and hoverflies can even fly, they’re working hard as larvae to protect plants from slugs and aphids.
Students finished the session by creating painted rocks featuring their favorite pollinators or pollinator food sources. The rocks will fill pollinator watering stations around their schools, serving both artistic and functional purposes. The student artwork will help real pollinators by providing visual markers near water sources these insects need to survive.
The lesson combined environmental education, art and practical conservation action, demonstrating how even young students can make tangible differences for wildlife while developing appreciation for misunderstood species.
