Updates

The Xerces Society

Happy Pollinator Week, y'all! It's easy and fun to make nice habitat for our native pollinators. Go for it.

We're kicking off #PollinatorWeek with easy-to-implement steps to support bees and other important pollinators.

Our Bring Back the Pollinators campaign is based on the fact that pollinators need only a few things, which anyone can provide in a remarkably small space: flowers from which to drink nectar and gather pollen, a place to lay eggs or build a nest, and freedom from pesticides.

Learn how to support pollinators, even in a small space, with these helpful tips!

Today's blog post: xerces.org/2019/06/17/pollinator-week

Check out our full Pollinator Week page: xerces.org/pollinator-week ... See more

Remembering the Legendary Robbin Thorp

The bumblebee world is very sad to have lost one of its true champions. I feel fortunate indeed to have take a four day "pollination ecology of native wildflowers" course over 20 years ago with this kind and brilliant man. I will always remember him carefully holding and petting the bumblebees.
https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=30464&fbclid=IwAR0rtlgYQjSBOgiKiekCmEqbFzy2kadS3HsRxxNKIp7y-c4MSMveBJfKOSI ... See more

Why giant human-sized beavers died out 10,000 years ago

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/why-giant-human-sized-beavers-died-out-10000-years-ago

I've been super interested in these 6' long, 200 lb beavers for a long time. Didn't know they ate grass/herbs and not trees. Wish we still had 'em around. ... See more

Scientists studied the fossilized bones of giant beavers to understand what they ate and whether the species could keep up with environmental change.

Pacific Horticulture Society | Meadows

Ahhhh, meadows...

https://www.pacifichorticulture.org/articles/meadows/?fbclid=IwAR3b3fRvH9V7jfv1Rbt188fVfpu1IHMTPmfJiEw6Z5VxGvYQ61Rr_ZlkC3k

Imagine a landscape ablaze with wildflowers, graced by swaying grasses, and filled with butterflies, birds, and beneficial insects. Who wouldn’t want such a lively, colorful scene in their own garden? No wonder such meadow gardens continue to grow in popularity. They appeal to that streak of indep... ... See more

Happy weekend all you bindlers! Now DON’T get back to work. At least not ‘til Monday.

‎In Defense of Plants Podcast: Ep. 182 - City Bee Diversity on Apple Podcasts

Oh man, if you need a pick-me-up and some serious inspiration, check this out. We all can make a big difference for our amazing native pollinators in our own backyards.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-182-city-bee-diversity/id1245995247?i=1000421801620 ... See more

‎Show In Defense of Plants Podcast, Ep Ep. 182 - City Bee Diversity - Oct 14, 2018

‎In Defense of Plants Podcast: Ep. 209 - Invasion of the Cattails on Apple Podcasts

Hybrid swarms! Cryptic invasions! Who knew cattails could be so dramatic?

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-defense-of-plants-podcast/id1245995247?i=1000436007784

‎Show In Defense of Plants Podcast, Ep Ep. 209 - Invasion of the Cattails - Apr 21, 2019

Not Found - The New York Times

Hortophilia: "the desire to interact with, manage and tend nature." Without a doubt, this is a core part of what it means to be human.

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/18/opinion/sunday/oliver-sacks-gardens.html ... See more

Photos from Shelterbelt LLC's post

Here's some fun before/after photos of a Native Vegetation Protection Area in the Lake Whatcom watershed that we designed, installed and maintained...just getting it signed off by the City for good today. There's red flowering currant to 10' tall, covered by bumblebees and shore pine to 15'+. ... See more

Photos from Shelterbelt LLC's post

1500 native trees/shrubs on the slope and 300 Sitka willow live stakes on the eroding bank at Fishtrap Creek in Lynden...not bad for 3 days of work.