Northwest Pollinator Diversity

Hosted by the North Cascades Institute with this class taking place in Wenatchee

Location: WSU Northwest Research and Extension Center

Instructor: Bob Gillespie

Class Cost: $110

So, what’s all the buzz really about? Have you ever wondered what keeps bees so busy? The answer is simple and practical: pollination. Bees, as well as many other small creatures on the wing, have a very important job to do.

According to pollinator.org, “Birds, bats, bees, butterflies, beetles, and other small mammals that pollinate plants are responsible for bringing us one out of every three bites of food. They also sustain our ecosystems and produce our natural resources by helping plants reproduce.

Pollinating animals travel from plant to plant carrying pollen on their bodies in a vital interaction that allows the transfer of genetic material critical to the reproductive system of most flowering plants – the very plants that

• bring us countless fruits, vegetables, and nuts,
• ½ of the world’s oils, fibers and raw materials;
• prevent soil erosion,
• and increase carbon sequestration

This nearly invisible ecosystem service is a precious resource that requires attention and support”

Dr. Bob Gillespie has worked with pollinators and taught at Wenatchee Valley College for many years. He brings his expertise and enthusiasm for this life-sustaining group of creatures to a day-long workshop. And thanks to Bob’s networking, we’re highly fortunate to be hosted at the Washington State University’s Northwest Research and Extension Center.

This location features 10 acres of gardens maintained for research and education, as well as an apiary and a pollinator garden. There couldn’t be a more ideal location to learn about pollinators!

Come along with the Institute as Bob shows us the diversity of pollinators as they buzz about. We’ll learn how to capture pollinators in a net and transfer them to a vial for identification. And Bob has offered a really special opportunity for this workshop: viewing his legendary pinned pollinator collection!

For more information click here.