Restoring Pollinator Habitat in Parklands, Agro-Ecosystems, and Urban Landscapes
Course Leaders: Eric Mader and Ashley Minnerath, The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation (in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum)
Venue: University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum
The ecological service that pollinators provide is necessary for the reproduction of more than 85 percent of the world’s flowering plants. Pollinator insects are keystone species in most terrestrial ecosystems, directly producing the fruits and seeds that comprise more than 25% of bird and mammal diets. In many places, the essential service of pollination is at risk from habitat loss and land use practices. These threats can be mitigated by incorporating pollinator habitat restoration efforts into all landscapes. This groundbreaking day-long course is designed to train restoration professionals in the latest science-based methods for understanding native pollinator (especially native bee) ecology, and restoring and managing pollinator habitat. Throughout the course, restoration concepts are illustrated by case studies of pollinator conservation efforts from across the country.