BeeChicas Present If It's Meant to Bee, Let It Bee: Cultivating Gardens for Wild Bees in the Context of Climate Change and Habitat Fragmentation In-Person
The United States is home to over 3,500 bee species, and Colorado provides refuge for nearly 1/3 of them (around 1,000 species). They range in size from smaller than an eyelash to bigger than a thumb; from red to deep blue; and from dainty specialist to generalist gormands. Our bees are beautiful and intriguing, but they are also essential to the reproduction of countless native wildflowers, and many of our cultivars, fruits, and vegetables as well. Reports indicate that some species of wild bee may be in decline, and the prime drivers of changes in their populations are habitat fragmentation, overuse of pesticides, and climate change. It may be some relief, then, to learn that gardening with native bees in mind can buffer against population fluctuations, especially in arid environments. Dr. Olivia Messinger Carril will discuss how to garden for bees, based on the most recent scientific findings, with the goal of providing them with a safe harbor in the face of large-scale landscape changes.
This event is part of a speaker series presented by the BeeChicas - Exploring Nature Nearby: Restoring Wonder and Connection. Reception and booksales start at 6:30p.m. Presentation starts at 7p.m. followed by Q&A and booksigning by the author. Registration recommended for email reminders and to hold a seat until 6:50pm. Walk-ins welcome, seating is limited.
- Date:
- Thursday, Aug 1 2024
- Time:
- 6:30pm - 9:30pm
- Location:
- Canyon Theater, Main Library
- Audience:
- Adult Teen
- Categories:
- Author Talks Civic Life Performances & Presentations Seed to Table
Dr. Olivia Carril has been studying wild bees for over 30 years. She received her BS and MSc from Utah State University, and a PhD from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. She is the coauthor of The Bees in Your Backyard, a Field Guide to North America's Bees, The Common Bees of Western North America, and the Common Bees of Eastern North America. She conducts field research to determine the most important pollinators of rare plants, and works to better understand the long term trends in bee populations through systematic surveying, consulting with the National Park Service, Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management. In her spare time, she teaches science to middle schoolers, and hangs out with her two adorable daughters and her handsome husband.
Boulder Public Library would like to thank everyone who has generously donated to the Boulder Library Foundation. Your financial support provides funding for library programs, services and facilities that help the people of Boulder develop and grow.