North America’s native pollinators are a highly diverse group in nature, comprised of bees, butterflies, moths, and other insects, as well as hummingbirds and even bats. As pollinators, many of these animals are economically important—yet many are in crisis, due to invasive pests and diseases, exposure to pesticides and other chemicals, loss of habitat, loss of species and genetic diversity, and changing climate.
This presentation focuses on making plant choices with our native pollinators in mind. Our presenter will discuss our native bees, butterflies, wasps, and other pollinators that are under serious threat from a variety of stress factors causing an unceasing decline in their populations. Learn of our pollinators’ importance in our ecosystem and about the plants that attract them and why. Find out how a little effort on our part can go a long way for pollinators and our ecosystem while also providing us with beauty and enjoyment.
About our Speaker
Though a relatively new Extension Master Gardener, Carolina Schottland is not new to the world of plants or the Extension. Her plant passions are edible landscaping, vegetable gardening, foraging, local food production and food access and healthy ecosystems. As a Master Gardener, she is project leader for the Speaker’s Bureau and the new Seed Library and Seed Expo. Carolina also serves on the EMG Advisory Council and volunteers for the Lake County Forest Preserve as an Educator leading highly interpreted walks such as Walk with a Naturalist and is currently in training to become a forest preserve steward.