Events

Preserving relationships and building diverse communities within and beyond the garden

Travis Watson Abstract: As we begin to better understand the impact of human influence on the natural systems of this planet, and the ramifications become more difficult to ignore, efforts are rapidly growing to help mitigate alarming losses of biodiversity on every level. The ecosystem services provided by certain groups of organisms such as pollinators are critical to both the global economy and human health and have received much attention. While many factors have been shown to influence the abundance, diversity, richness, or presence of an organism in a habitat, some may be more important than others for pollinator insects. One factor that has been shown to have a large influence on pollinator diversity is the diversity of plants available within a habitat. By discussing how specialized and generalized plant-pollinator relationships drive plant diversity and exploring the ways that native plants contribute to the functional diversity of your garden space, I hope to expand your concept of how the term diversity can be applied to your garden to foster a strong pollinator community dynamic. Short Bio: Travis Watson received his Bachelor of Science (B.S. Biology) and Master of Science (M.S. Biology) degrees from East Tennessee State University, where he recently completed a thesis project focused on the functional aspects of pollinator gardens important to supporting a biologically diverse pollinator insect community. He is currently the Horticulture Manager and Arborist for ETSU, and has over 20 years' experience in commercial horticulture, nursery management, and plant health care. His other credentials include ISA Certified Arborist and TN licensed commercial pesticide applicator. Shareable Flyer: Here Talk Outline Brief Objective: To discuss the importance of native plant-insect relationships in mitigating insect decline and loss of biodiversity. Introduction Importance of pollination services economic, human health, plant diversity Diversity of pollinators all insect groups Evolution/specialized interactions Niche development temporal variation, varied rewards, flower morphology Ecological Factors Many factors determine insect community composition Habitat connectivity Land use/urbanization Temporal change What/Who is available when Resource availability Quantity/type of floral rewards Competition Forager efficiency, ecological niches Diversity Specifically, Native diversity is where we can make the greatest contribution Diversity is Key Diversity Pollination syndromes �" generalist/specialist Floral Symmetry �" radial/bilateral Reward type �" nectar/pollen But what about foliage? Color �" visual/UV Chemical Volatiles �" Fragrance Bloom time Structure �" shelter/nesting not just flowers Take Action Go Wild! Accept that not everything has to look perfect all the time Don't Mow! reforest, meadow, minimize Hang out with the natives! Native plants=native insects Connect with nature! Close gaps, link chains Zoom Details Topic: Wild Ones Middle Tennessee Monthly Meeting Time: Jan 24, 2022 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82682576111?pwd=eURLV29rdnl4SldHbkxOZkNPRmdFUT09 Meeting ID: 826 8257 6111 Passcode: 447560 One tap mobile +13126266799,,82682576111#,,,,*447560# US (Chicago) +19292056099,,82682576111#,,,,*447560# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) Meeting ID: 826 8257 6111 Passcode: 447560 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kF2cqUsw