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Book signing June 24› Pollinator Week at Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center will conclude Saturday, June 24, with a talk and book signing by Rita Venable at 11 a.m. › The author and butterfly expert will give a presentation on “A Home for Butterflies,” before signing copies of her book, “Butterflies of Tennessee.”› Admission is $10 RRANC member adults, $5 member children or senior adults; $15 nonmember adults, $10 nonmember children or senior adults.
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While you’re thereOther programs are taking place at Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center Saturday as well. They are free for RRANC members, $10 nonmember adults, $7 nonmember children ages 4 to 11.› Noon. Red wolf feeding and talk led by naturalist Taylor Berry, followed by question-and-answer session.› 1 p.m. Canoe trip down Lookout Creek with staff; bring water, snacks and change of clothes.For more information: 423-821-1160.
Can you imagine living in a world without flowers, fruit or chocolate? Thanks to the work of bees and other pollinators, many of the foods we eat and flowers we enjoy are made possible.
Butterflies, birds, beetles, bats, wasps and even flies are important in the pollination process. But despite the importance of pollinators, they are taken for granted all too often. Worldwide, there is an alarming decline in pollinator populations. Excessive use of pesticides and an ever-expanding conversion of landscapes to human use are the biggest culprits, according to staff at Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center.
Learn how you can make a difference in pollinators' environments by attending the National Pollinator Week kickoff at Reflection Riding on Saturday, June 17.
It is estimated that more than 1,300 types of plants are grown around the world for food, beverages, medicines, condiments, spices and even fabric. Of these, about 75 percent are pollinated by animals.
Pollinators are vital to creating and maintaining the habitats and ecosystems that many animals rely on for food and shelter. They facilitate the reproduction in 90 percent of the world's flowering plants.
The staff of Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center are partnering with the Tennessee Valley chapter of Wild Ones to present four workshops on how to use native plants in your yard and how to plant bee gardens. In addition to these workshops on Saturday, there are two tram rides around the Riding's property offered as well.
The programs are free to RRANC members; nonmembers just pay the regular admission of $10 adults, $7 for children 4-11.
SCHEDULE
' 10 a.m. Bee Native: Lisa Lemza leads presentation on types of native plants and why they are important to our yards.
' 10:50 a.m. Bee Diverse: Learn about bird and butterfly gardens from Christine Hunt, lead horticulturalist at the Tennessee Aquarium. Butterflies and hummingbirds are beloved pollinators; see how to attract them to your yard.
' Noon-12:45 p.m. Lunch break/tram tour. Call to reserve a spot: 423-821-1160, ext. 111
' 12:45 p.m. Bee Gardens: Join Sally Wencel to discuss "Out of the wilds and into your garden. Vegetable and fruit gardening with native plants." Learn how to use native plants to increase pollination and yields and how to attract beneficial insects to your garden.
' 1:30 p.m. Bee Smart: Join Ann Brown to discuss how native bees are a keystone species that hold entire ecosystems together. What are they and why are they in decline?
' 2:30 p.m. Pollinator Tram Tour. Call to reserve a spot: 423-821-1160, ext. 111.