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1. How does pollination occur?

Pollination occurs when pollen is moved within flowers or carried from flower to flower by pollinating animals. Wind pollination also occurs but only with some species of plants. The act of pollination fertilizes an egg which then produces a fruiting body which usually surrounds some type of seed which is used for producing the next generation of the food we and other organisms eat.

2. What are examples of pollinating animals?

• Bats
• Bees
• Beetles
• Birds
• Butterflies
• Flies
• Moths
• Other animals

3. Why are pollinators important?

Worldwide, roughly 1,000 plants need to be pollinated by animals in order to produce the goods on which we depend, including plants grown for:

• Beverages
• Fibers
• Food
• Medicines
• Spices

Foods and beverages produced with the help of pollinators include:

• Almonds
• Apples
• Blueberries
• Chocolate
• Coffee
• Melons
• Peaches
• Potatoes
• Pumpkins
• Tequila
• Vanilla

In the United States, pollination by honey bees, native bees, and other insects produces $40 billion worth of products annually.

4. What is a host plant?

A plant upon which an organism (such as an insect) lodges and subsists, i.e. The plant that the butterfly will lay its egg on and the caterpillar will later eat. Examples of host relationships are:

• Black Swallowtail - golden alexanders
• Monarch and The Queen - milkweed
• Pipevine Swallowtail - pipevine, snakeroot, and knot vine

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1. I am not 18 yet. Can I still complete service hours at Lake Katherine?

Yes. Students who are at least 14 years old and in high school may volunteer with the permission of their parent/guardian. Students under the age of 14 or not yet in high school may volunteer with a parent/guardian or other authorized adult.

2. I need to complete my hours with a non-profit organization. Do hours at Lake Katherine count?

Yes. Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens is a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt, charitable organization.

3. Will you give me proof of the hours I've completed?

A letter of verification, detailing the number of hours worked and the tasks completed, will be provided upon completion of service hours. If you have a form that we need to complete, please make sure to bring it with you.

4. What kind of work will I be doing?

Community service volunteers may be asked to perform a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Cleaning (sweeping, mopping, cleaning bathrooms, trash removal, etc.)
• Outdoor maintenance (clearing trails, raking algae, refuse clean-up, etc.)
• Restoration activities (cutting/pulling invasive plants, clearing brush, etc.)
• Set-up/take-down tables and chairs

Seasonally, additional opportunities are available for high school students.

5. What if it's hot, cold, or rainy?

We work outdoors year-round, even in less than ideal weather. However, in the case of lightning, heavy rain, excessive heat or cold, or icy conditions, volunteers will be inside.

6. I would like to volunteer all day. Can I still take a break for lunch?

Absolutely. You will need to let staff know when you'll be leaving for lunch and you'll need to check in again when you return. As you schedule your hours, please keep in mind that lunch breaks are not counted toward your service hours.

7. What is the dress code for volunteers?

In general, clothing should be modest, neat, well-fitting and inoffensive. Due to the nature of outdoor work, community service volunteers may wear moderately worn clothing. The Director shall be the final judge as to the appropriateness, neatness, and cleanliness of the apparel, or whether or not the apparel is disruptive, distracting, unsafe, or in violation of the dress code. Exceptions may be granted based on the work being performed.

• Only long pants are permitted. Shorts or capris may not be worn.
• Shirts must have sleeves. No tank tops or spaghetti straps may be worn.
• Only closed-toe shoes may be worn. Footwear such as sandals, flip-flops or Crocs are not permitted.
• Clothing or ornamentation displaying suggestive or political phrases, designs, markings or profanities are prohibited.