National Pollinator Week

National Pollinator Week is June 21-27th.  This is an opportunity to learn more about the insects (and some vertebrates) that make our fruits and vegetables possible.  Pollinator Week events in NC include the Johnston County Pollinator Festival at the Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center on June 26, 2010 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Events include pollinator garden tours, crafts, making bee nesting bundles, visiting with vendors and beekeepers, “What’s The Buzz on Native Pollinators?” classes and beekeeping presentations. Join them for one program, or come out for the whole day. Bring a picnic lunch, see the live animal exhibits, explore the nature trails and experience the beauty of Howell Woods. There is no charge for this event. Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center is located at 6601 Devil’s Racetrack Road, Four Oaks, NC 27524. For more information contact Katrina McDougald at mcdougaldk@howellwoods.org or (919) 938-0115 ext. 115. Find out more about Howell Woods at www.howellwoods.org. 


Our lab has developed a strong interest in pollinator diversity and efficiency in the last 2 years.  Shelley Rogers, a MS student co-advised by David Tarpy and I, is studying the pollination ecology of the southeastern blueberry agroecosystem.  Shelley and I will be sharing the preliminary results of this work at the the North American Blueberry Research & Extension Workers Conference in July.  We are hoping to expand our pollinator work to include other production systems, including caneberries, who's pollination needs and pollinators we know little about.