Each plant in a meadow is host to its own thriving community of pollinators, predators, prey, and parasites. Be prepared to move slowly and look closely as we explore and search for the insects that depend on plants and that plants depend on to reproduce. We will go beyond learning their names to discussing their fascinating life cycles and strategies for survival.

Charley Eiseman is a freelance naturalist, conducting plant and wildlife surveys for various nonprofits, state agencies, and universities throughout New England. He holds an MS from the University of Vermont’s Field Naturalist Program and a BS in Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation and Management from the University of Massachusetts. Charley is the lead author of the award-winning field guide, Tracks & Sign of Insects and Other Invertebrates (Stackpole Books, 2010), and has published over 30 scientific papers describing new insect species or documenting new natural history information for known species. He also writes an insect-themed blog called “BugTracks” and is currently self-publishing a serial e-book, Leafminers of North America.  For more information, visit http://charleyeiseman.com.

This event is in memory of Ann Kearns, a devoted Kestrel Land Trust member, who often walked the meadow at UMass’ Renaissance Center.

THIS EVENT IS NOW FULL.

Contact marilyn@kestreltrust.org to be placed on waitlist.

Pollinators need your help! Increasing evidence indicates that many pollinators are in decline. Here are some simple things you can do at home to encourage pollinator diversity and abundance.

From U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service:

• Plant a Pollinator Garden
• Provide Nesting Sites
• Avoid or Limit Pesticide Use

From International Dark-Sky Association:

• Turn off outdoor lights at night — pollinators need darkness at night