Pollinators and natural enemies require access to pollen and nectar to provide nutrition and energy to fuel their pollination and pest control activities. However, these resources can be lacking in highly managed crop or urban landscapes. Michigan State University entomologists have been working with native plant producers and beekeepers to identify the best plants to provide season-long resources for beneficial insects. They recently tested over 55 species of plants at three locations in Michigan to determine which ones were most attractive to helpful insects and will be sharing their results at theSupporting Beneficial Insects with Flowering Plantsfield day on Aug. 2, 2016, at theClarksville Research Center,9302 Portland Rd, Clarksville, MI 48815. Participants will learn to identify attractive plants and many of the beneficial pollinators, predators and parasitoids that utilize them.

The field day will include opportunities to interact with native plant producers andUSDA Natural Resources Conservation Service(NRCS) staff to learn more about how to establish these plants in a variety of agricultural and home landscape settings. Three hours of pesticide recertification credits and four hours of ExtensionMaster Gardenercontinuing education credits are available for participating in this workshop. Participants will also receive fourMSUExtensionpublications including two popular, pocket-sized field guides, “Bees of the Great Lakes region and wildflowers to support them” and “Identifying natural enemies in crops and landscapes.

再保险gistration is open until July 2320美元的费用包括午餐和材料。再保险gister at:Supporting Beneficial Insects with Flowering Plants Workshop. Speakers and schedule are posted there.