Curious about the best ways to support Minnesota’s native bees and strengthen pollinator habitat where you live? Interested in the newest research on bee health, habitat needs, and conservation strategies? This year’s three-part webinar series from University of Minnesota Extension brings together expert educators, researchers, and Master Gardeners to highlight keystone plants and “Soft Landings” designs, share the latest findings from the UMN Bee Lab, and showcase successful pollinator projects from across the state.
Learn practical, science-based steps you can take to help pollinators thrive in any space—large or small. Join us January 26, 27, and 28 from 1:00–2:30 p.m. CST for this free webinar series. Pre-registration is required at https://z.umn.edu/BeeSeries to receive the webinar links. This webinar series will cover the following topics:
Monday, January 26th: Keystone Plants & Soft Landings Plantings for Native Bees:
Heather Holm, pollinator conservationist and author
The monarch butterfly is a well-known insect specialist—its caterpillars feed only on milkweed. Many native bees are also specialists, or oligoleges, that collect pollen from a narrow range of native plants, often within a single genus or family. These pollen hosts are “keystone plants,” supporting many native bee species. Heather will highlight these keystone plants, their preferred habitats, & how to include them in pollinator-friendly plantings. She’ll also introduce “Soft Landings” plantings—diverse native plantings under keystone trees that provide essential food and shelter for native bees, caterpillars, beetles, lacewings, & more. By adding these habitats, you can help build a thriving ecosystem for pollinators & other wildlife.
Tuesday, January 27th: The Latest Buzz on Bee Research: Dr. Elaine Evans, UMN
Extension Native Bee Educator and Researcher
Scientists around the globe are working to fill in knowledge gaps and improve our ability to support bees. Get the latest updates on bee conservation & health from the UMN Bee Lab, such as how to manage prairies to promote bee communities, learning more about nesting behavior & habitat for plasterer bees and bumble bees, how to best support specialist bees, & breeding mite-resistant honey bees. We will also highlight the most impactful recent findings for bee conservation from the global bee research community. We will leave plenty of time for questions, so come with all your burning questions about bees.
Wednesday, January 28 th : Pollinator Habitats in Action: Tips, Tricks, & Inspiration from Master Gardeners, UMN Extension Master Gardeners
UMN Extension Master Gardeners will highlight 3 pollinator habitat projects: pollinator meadow at the Carlton County fairgrounds, a prairie garden boulevard planting in Dakota County, & a pollinator habitat observation garden in Clay County. Each will detail how they designed the planting, selected plants, maintenance, and tips & tricks. Join us for a Master Gardener expert Q&A session!
To join us for all or one of these webinars, please go to https://z.umn.edu/BeeSeries to register. You only need to register once to receive access to each topic. The Zoom link will be emailed to you immediately after you register. If you are unable to attend the live sessions, you will receive the recording via email on January 30 th . If you have questions about the webinar series or need assistance with registration, please call your local Extension office. Residents in Fillmore and Houston counties can call 507-765-3896 or 507-725-5807.
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