Did you know honey bee pollination accounts for $15 billion in added crop value in the US? Dr. Danesha Seth Carley, Director of the National Science Foundation Center for Integrated Pest Management (CIPM) and Associate Professor in the Department of Horticultural Science at NC State University, shared this fact and other tips for protecting pollinators during her closing keynote address for Extension Master Gardener℠ College 2022.
During her presentation, Dr. Carley discussed the CIPM’s role in advancing integrated pest management, her passion for pollinators, and how her research, academic, and outreach programs focus on sustainable managed landscapes, specifically how landscapes can contribute to pollinator protection and habitat conservation.
We learned that in addition to honey bees, which were introduced to North America from Europe, there are over 4000 bee species native to our continent, with at least 500 bee species calling North Carolina home. Like honey bees, our native bees depend on the nectar and pollen found in flowers to feed themselves and their offspring. By planting a range of pollinator-friendly flowers in our yards and communities, we can help support and conserve pollinator populations.
Dr. Carley has a wealth of information about pollinators and how we can protect them. To learn more, take a peek at this wonderful piece from her presentation for the JC Raulston Arboretum:
Dr. Carley was one of several NC State faculty members, Extension specialists, and other leading experts to speak at EMG College, a continuing education conference that offers Extension Master Gardener volunteers the opportunity to learn the latest research-based information about gardening and environmental stewardship. Master Gardener volunteers take what they learn back to their communities, sharing it with community members through their volunteer work with N.C. Cooperative Extension. Connect with Master Gardener volunteers in your community.
The National Science Foundation Center for Integrated Pest Management was the platinum sponsor for EMG College 2022. Their support helped provide this opportunity for Master Gardener volunteers and Extension agents to increase their understanding of climate change impacts on plants and gardening and learn about strategies and resources they can use to educate others in their community through Extension outreach.
Read more about how CIPM is solving 21st century pest management challenges.
