What: 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. 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.
Details:
Registration is required to attend.
When: Thursday, August 1, 2024; 6:30-8:30pm.
Where: Boulder Main Library, Canyon Theater.