The content of this course is tailored to the needs of producers of bee-pollinated crops, NRCS, SWCD, Cooperative Extension, and state department of agriculture employees, as well as crop consultants and natural resource specialists.
The registration fee for this course is $25* per person. Pre-registration is required and space is limted.
*Scholarships are available. No application necessary.
Registrants will receive the Xerces Society's Pollinator Conservation Toolkit.
Liz Robertson, The Xerces Society
(503) 232-6639, Ext. 120
liz.robertson@xerces.org
Workshop Contact
Alison Nichols, Pierce Conservation District
253-845-9770 x 132
AlisonN@piercecd.org
The Xerces Society provides reasonable accommodations for special events with adequate notice. To request accommodation for events, please contact liz.robertson@xerces.org.
The Xerces Society is an equal-opportunity provider and employer.
The Xerces Society embraces diversity in our program services. At the Xerces Society, a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment is one where all participants feel valued and are treated with respect regardless of their gender identity, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, education and/or disability.
This short course is made possible thanks to the support of the Pierce Conservation District and Pierce County Agriculture Program.
Long-horned bee, by Matthew Shepherd / The Xerces Society (banner)
Thelma Heidel-Baker (side panel)
WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center
Puyallup , WA
November 19th, 2019
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM PST
This full day workshop will focus on concepts around protecting and enhancing populations of pollinators, especially bees, in agricultural landscapes. The course will provide an overview of bee natural history and farm practices that support pollinators, such as protecting and creating habitat, modified horticultural practices, and advice on how to manage pests while protecting pollinators.
Registrants will receive the Xerces Society's Pollinator Conservation Toolkit which includes Xerces' book, Attracting Native Pollinators, as well as habitat management guidelines and relevant USDA-NRCS and extension publications.
Continuing Education Credits offered:
Course Agenda
Module 1: Introduction and Importance of Pollinators
Module 2: Native Bee Biology, Diversity, and Habitat Needs
Break
Module 3: Natural Enemies (Beneficial Insects)
Module 4: Farming for Pollinators and Natural Enemies
Lunch - Lunch is not provided, please plan on bringing a bagged lunch and refillable water bottle to the course.
Break
Module 5: Pollinator Habitat Restoration and Management
Module 6: Pollinator and Beneficial Insect Habitat at April Joy Farm
Module 7: USDA and Conservation District Programs
Wrap up, questions, and course evaluations
Instructors
Eric Lee-Mader, Pollinator Program Co-Director, The Xerces Society
As Pollinator Program Co-Director, Eric manages staff focused on large-scale habitat restoration, conservation biocontrol, native seed research and development, and outreach to farmers, private businesses, and government agencies. His professional background includes commercial beekeeping, native seed production, and consulting for various specialty crop industries. Eric was previously Assistant Professor of Extension at the University of Minnesota’s Department of Entomology and is the author of a book on how to manage bees for the USDA’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program. Eric regularly provides on-the-ground technical support to the NRCS and other conservation agencies. He is the lead author of numerous publications, including Farming with Native Beneficial Insects and Attracting Native Pollinators.
Corin Pease, Pollinator Conservation Planner, Pacific Northwest, The Xerces Society
Corin provides technical assistance to growers and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Conservation Planners on pollinator and natural enemy conservation on farms in the Pacific Northwest. He holds a masters degree in integrated pest management and a bachelors degree in environmental biology from the University of California–Davis. Corin’s experience spans agriculture, entomology, and integrated pest management (IPM). As a researcher, Corin has studied insects associated with native hedgerows, conservation biological control, and pest management in tomatoes, grapes, almonds, and strawberries in California. Before coming to Xerces, Corin was a crop consultant in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, advising berry growers on pest management and crop nutrition.
Guest Speakers
April Thatcher, Owner, April Joy Farm
April Jones Thatcher is the founder and farmer of April Joy Farm, a first generation, diversified crop and livestock farm near Ridgefield, WA. Her WSDA certified organic and Animal Welfare Approved farm has served wholesale and retail customers in Clark County since 2009. As a NRCS conservation stewardship program participant, April is taking a unique approach to integrating pollinator habitat on the farm by establishing pollinator strips distributed throughout vegetable production fields. She has observed multiple crop production benefits from the 0.4 acres of habitat she has established composed of 40+ plant species. April has an undergraduate degree in civil engineering and an M.B.A. in entrepreneurship. She is passionate about nurturing community and soil health, is a past recipient of Clark County's Make Every Day Earth Day Award, and has been a panelist and guest speaker at regional agricultural conferences. In 2017 she received a multi-year grant to study soil health and a second grant to install a static aerated compost structure at her farm.