Young District Landcare and Weddin Landcare are again collaborating to bring another exciting and educational workshop to Landcare members, supporters and members of the community, with Boorowa Community Landcare Group also throwing their weight behind the workshops.
The workshop ‘Native Bees – Essential to Biodiversity’ will be presented twice by Megan Halcroft (PhD) at Murringo on Saturday, October 22 and Grenfell on Sunday, October 23. Each workshop will run from 8.45am to 3pm.
The native bee workshops will introduce participants to the fascinating world of bees. Megan will speak about why bees and other insect pollinators are the driving force behind biodiversity and a balanced sustainable ecosystem.
Over 75 per cent of the world’s flowering plants rely on insect pollinators to reproduce. Pollinators provide these important ecosystem services in the natural landscapes as well as within agricultural/horticultural and urban environments. Our food security depends on them!
The hands-on component of the day will include observing, catching and identifying some of the insects in the local area. Through the use of special USB microscopes, participants will learn what to look for when trying to identify bees and other insects and determine whether they are beneficial or pest insects. The bees will be released unharmed afterwards.
Participants will also learn how to protect and support native bees by knowing what to plant to encourage their presence and how to create havens and habitat for existing populations, including bee ‘motels’.
Megan developed her interest in both honeybees and native bees while studying apiculture as part of a horticulture degree. She began her Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in 2006 working on a project involving the Australian stingless bee Austroplebeia australis. In 2008 she began her PhD candidature at University of Western Sydney, studying Austroplebeia australis and their potential as an alternative to the honey bee as a crop pollinator.
Although Megan specialises in native bees she is also passionate about the other beneficial insects in our environment and loves to share her passion with others to increase community awareness of their importance in our lives.
Numbers are limited to 30 people so early bookings are advised.
The cost of attending the workshop is $10 per person. Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
To book contact Mikla Lewis, Weddin/Young Coordinator on youngdistrictlandcare@gmail.com or 0499 199 016 by October 20.
