Bee Talk at MNA

MNA’s Science Cafe

Wednesday, December 12th., 7-830pm  FREE! The Buzz on Native Bees Dr. Kristen Potter, insect physiologist and MNA volunteer Our approximately 4000 native bee species come in a wide array of sizes, shapes, and colors. These efficient bees are typically non-aggressive and have pollinated our continent’s flowering plants since long before the arrival of honey bees. Unfortunately, our native bee species are declining, but there are many ways we can help them. We will discuss the importance of native bees in our ecosystems, identify simple (and fun) ways you can help native bees, and learn how they will improve the health of your yard and garden. Join us for a short presentation followed by lively discussion and Q&A.

Master Gardener Meeting Minutes 11/8/2012

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Master Gardener Meeting Minutes 11/8/2012

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church

1601 N. San Francisco

Continuing Education

                                                      Fire, Flood, and Forest Recovery: The Science of Habitat Restoration

                                                      Schultz Fire

                                                      Dr. Kris Haskins, the Arboretum at Flagstaff

Dr. Haskins gave an overview of the Schultz Fire and the effects on the burned and surrounding areas.  The fire burned about 15,000 acres and the flooding caused by the runoff from the monsoon rains resulted in massive erosion and incredible damage to homes and property.  While some native species have started to re-colonize the area, non-native weeds have become a major problem in both the burned and in the affected population areas.  The Arboretum at Flagstaff, the Museum of Northern Arizona, Arizona Forestry and the United States Forest Service, have been studying the issues and working on restoration of the affected areas.  The restoration efforts include: mechanical removal like mowing, grazing by sheep or goats, pulling, mulching, use of herbicides, burning, encouraging competition and biocontrol.  Unfortunately, mowing only works in areas that can be reached by machines, many weeds are not palatable to animals, pulling and mulching is very labor intensive, herbicides can negatively affect more than the weeds, some weeds grow best after a fire and competition and biocontrol require patience.  If you remove the weeds and then plant natives, the natives can shade out the invasive weeds. There is a study in progress to determine the most effective ways to re-introduce natives to an area.  Biocontrol, the use of a natural predator like a beetle specific to a particular weed, can reduce or eliminate the weed in a particular area but it takes time and can be expensive.  For example, the beetle for Dalmation Toadflax costs $.77 per beetle and thousands are needed to treat a relatively small area. 

If you live in an area affected by the Schultz Fire, you can contact Dr. Haskins at research@thearb.org, about the Private Landholders Assessment Program.  The program will work with the homeowners to examine weed issues, develop a plan for weed removal and assistance, determine options for restoration and monitor the progress of the actions taken.

Thanks to Laura Parker, Andrea and Galen Guerette and Ann Eagan for the refreshments.

Business Meeting