MNPS Meeting: "Local Pollinators"

Dr. Edward Barrows, a biology professor with the Laboratory of Entomology and Biodiversity at Georgetown University, will give a presentation on our local pollinators, including information on many pollinator species and their associated plants and habitat needs.

The Washington, D.C. area (including surrounding counties in Maryland and Virginia) has about 660 species of pollinating animals. They include ants, bees, bee flies, beetles, butterflies, flower flies, moths, thrips, and the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. There are many private and public pollinator havens in the area. However, much of it is covered with noxious urban sprawl that is not especially pollinator-friendly. Private yards range from being pollinator pits through pollinator havens. Too many yards are too low in pollinator requirements. A comprehensive online database of local pollinators would be useful for conservationists, gardeners, park managers, students, and others. Information on local pollinators, including published scientific work, Internet sites, and databases - including three from the Entomology and Biodiversity Lab - will also be discussed.

Location: White Oak Library – Large Meeting Room

Directions: Exit the Washington Beltway at New Hampshire Ave (exit 28). Go north about 2 miles. The library is the first building on the right, once you have passed under Route 29, just after the Sears store.

There will be refreshments and door prizes. Pot luck refreshments are always welcome.

The meeting is open to non-members.

Meetings take place on the last Tuesday of each month.