Wetlands and the surrounding landscapes provide habitat for at-risk and endangered pollinator species such as the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), southern plains pine bumble bee (Bombus fraternus), the rusty patch bumblebee (Bombus affinis), and a plethora of pollinators critical for ensuring sustainable gardens, agriculture, and ecological diversity in South Carolina. Among the 31 historical populations of monarch butterflies, 15 are facing the threat of extinction due to rising sea levels and excessively high temperatures caused by climate change. South Carolina is a critical stopover area for migrating monarchs, but a population of monarchs also overwinter in our area. The southern plains pine bumble bee, frequently found in the South Carolina coastal region, has experienced a significant loss in range, with a resulting 24% population decline since 2010. The rusty patch bumble bee has seen similar declines, especially with increased development and community HOA regulations that require frequent mowing during the critical emergence of this species. Community education and participation in pollinator gardens may increase pollinator abundance and diversity.   

Hampton Plantation is a historical site located in the community of Germanville, South Carolina, inhabited primarily by descendants of those enslaved to work the historic rice fields. Many of the families surrounding Hampton Plantation have lived in this region for hundreds of years and continue to bury their family members within an active cemetery located on the property. The community surrounding Hampton Plantation faces food scarcity and high poverty rates due to its remote rural setting. In the US, 12.8% of households faced food insecurity in 2014, with higher rates among Black, Latino, and low-income families. Limited access to healthy food leads to health issues like depressive symptoms, diabetes, and heart disease. Food-insecure populations struggle to afford fresh food due to poor food environments. Alternative programs like community gardens may address these challenges, especially where traditional supermarkets are lacking. With nearly 75% of agricultural plants relying on pollinators to produce, understanding community needs and using pollinator plants and associated pollinators provides not only ecological benefit, but can play a pivotal role in empowering underserved communities to take charge of their dietary needs.  

Social surveys will be conducted to establish a baseline understanding of historically preferred foods, as well as the economic and physical barriers to gardening and the ecological knowledge of Germanville community members concerning the benefits of pollinators. Pollinator gardens will be established at both Hampton Plantation and within the Germanville community for educational purposes. Additionally, multiple food gardens will be installed in the Germanville community to facilitate agricultural education and community empowerment. Throughout the three-year study period, community education events will be organized to promote gardening concepts and actively solicit feedback on any challenges to gardening progress, enabling project adjustments to enhance the likelihood of success. A final survey will be used in year three to determine the knowledge gained, the number of participants still active in the program. If the program is deemed a success, we will work with other SC State Parks to create additional community projects around historical rice fields.