Our June 20 pollinator event was a lot of fun.
We had a good turnout of adults and kids, a mix of long-time Wet Meadow folks and some new friends.
Dr. Tuell brought a display case with specimens of about 100 bees native to Michigan.
She also brought a bee-vac, a re-built DustBuster that safely captures bees and puts them in small vials (about 1' x 3") so they can be safely viewed up close.
She caught some bees that were visiting wildflowers in the wet meadow, including a couple of teeny-tiny ones. (She released them at the end of the day.)
She talked about native bees and answered questions from kids and adults.
(We'll have photos soon, I hope.)
After a potluck supper, we had a brief ceremony, then Abby, Nino and Shane planted serviceberry trees in the palace of nature.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
"Kids See Pollinators Up Close" Saturday, June 20
"Kids See Pollinators Up Close" Saturday, June 20at the Buhr Park Childrens' Wet Meadow
Come watch butterflies and other pollinators visiting the wildflowers.
- MSU entomologist Julianna Tuell will capture insects for kids to safely see up close.
- Learn how kids can be safe around bees.
- Hear about how beneficial insects help us grow blueberries, tomatoes and other foods.
- Kids can make a bee house (from natural materials) to take home.
Dr. Tuell speaks frequently about pollinators and native plants. She coauthored Attracting Beneficial Insects with Native Flowering Plants (MSU Extension Bulletin E-2973) and recently published a study that identified more than 100 native bee species on Michigan blueberry farms.
We'll also have a display of nest blocks from Matt Demmon.
This event is co-sponsored by Wild Ones and Natural Area Preservation.
Buhr Park is located at 2781 Packard Rd. 48104. For more information call Mark at 478-1333.
Morning at the Meadow
I passed by the wet meadow this morning and saw a few things in bloom and a nice misty feeling.
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