ROWE — Residents can learn all about pollinators, pathogens and plants during a free pollinator walk guided by environmental science researchers.
All are invited to the Shantigar Foundation at 63 Davenport Road on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 2 p.m. for “An Afternoon with Bees & Flowers – Nature’s Great Partners.” Kate Borchardt, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, will present research on how plants impact pollinator health, then lead attendees on a walk to see some pollinators on the property.
Borchardt works in the lab of biology professor Lynn Adler, whose research focuses on plant-animal interactions. One of her latest projects has involved looking at the interactions between flora and pollinators.
“The project started last summer. We’re very interested in this pathogen carried by bees, particularly bumblebees, Crithidia, and we’ve been looking at what plant traits encourage pollinator health,” Borchardt said.
“Many people know that bees need flowers for nectar and pollen,” Borchardt continued.
“What’s less well-known is that some flowers also help protect bees from harmful
pathogens. Our research at Shantigar shows that the right plants can make a real
difference in bee health, and that’s knowledge we can all put into practice.”
Borchardt said Crithidia is not fatal, but can have impacts on pollinator health, such as reducing reproductive capabilities and altering foraging habits in bees.
“It’s not like, ‘Oh no, all the bees are dying.’ It’s nonlethal,” Borchardt said. “But we found some plants, like sunflowers, can diminish these pathogens in pollinators.”
Borchardt said last summer, she and other researchers explored the Shantigar property in Rowe and examined the variety of plants and pollinators. During the event, she will discuss the research, showcase museum specimens and take attendees on a tour.
“They have a huge, gorgeous pollinator habitat,” Borchardt said. “There’s a good amount of biodiversity.”
Borchardt said she plans to bring a net so attendees can meet some bumblebees, and a few specimen jars to allow people to meet pollinators they may be less willing to hold in their hand, such as yellowjackets and hornets.
“We might even see some butterflies and some fun beetles,” she added.
The event is free to attend, but registration is encouraged. Attendees should bring a water bottle and wear long clothing to protect against ticks and mosquitoes.
For more information or to register, visit shantigar.org.
