As part of a new series, we’ll be sharing Girl Scout stories about how local girls are making the world a better place! 

Girl Scout Molly shares her passion for saving pollinators while earning her Girl Scout Gold Award.

What would you think if I told you that I am indirectly responsible for one-third of what you eat today.  Shocking, right?!

I started out as a Girl Scout Daisy while I was living in Florida. We moved to North Carolina 6 years ago, and I continued as a Girl Scout. I earned my Silver Award in 2013 and I am currently working on my Girl Scout Gold Award project.

Through my involvement in Girl Scouts, I have helped to make the world a better place by educating people about how important pollinators are in the world. Pollinators are directly or indirectly responsible for creating 30% to 80% of the food we eat every day. They pollinate plants that produce foods, such as, fruits, nuts, vegetables, coffee and grains. They also pollinate plants that are the food supply for various animals or animal products we consume or use. Lastly, they also are responsible for pollinating plants that produce products such as cotton which is used to make goods such as clothing.

I have helped educate people about pollinators through the use of educational booths at festivals and events throughout my community to include a beekeeper association’s annual Pollinator Day, the Pittsboro Street Fair, Sunshine Lavender Farm Day, Chatham County’s Agricultural Day, Girl Scout Day Camp, Silk Hope Farmer’s day, State Farmer’s Market Honey Bee Day and many other events. At the educational booths, I have an observation hive where people can view the bees up close and safely. Sometimes I also have live caterpillars and butterflies for people to view. Additionally, I have a sampling of various pollinator plants to demonstrate what people can plant in their yards to attract pollinators.

For my Girl Scout Silver Award, I created a pamphlet on this topic that is now distributed at small businesses and beekeepers associations in my area. My pamphlet was even featured at a local beekeepers association display at the North Carolina State Fair.

In conclusion, through Girl Scouting I have made a big difference in the world. I have gained new skills and enhanced others. These skills include leadership and courage which gave me the opportunity to meet new people. I feel through my work educating people on pollinators that I have left a lasting impression. I believe that those I have been in contact with are better educated about the importance of pollinators and the urgency of creating pollinator habits, in order to help stop their decline. I hope that through my brief remarks today that you too can help impact the pollinator population. I mean you all like to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, right?

A big thank you to Molly for sharing her awesome Girl Scout story! Join in sharing how your Girl Scouts are making the world a better place by submitting your story!