Information forums: Why are native bees ‘the bees knees’ of Australian ecosystems?
15 July 2019
Pollinators drive biodiversity with over 75% of the world’s plants needing insect pollinators in order to reproduce. These pollinators provide ecosystem services in the natural landscapes as well as in agriculture and urban environments.
Australia has around 1,700 species of native bees, with more species being discovered each year. Native bees are important pollinators of Australia’s wildflowers. They also make an important contribution to Australian agriculture, through crop pollination. Populations of native bees can be threatened by land clearing and pesticide use.
At these special forums, learn more about native bees and other pollinators, their habitat requirements and how to improve the biodiversity of your property to increase native bee populations and benefit from the services they provide as specialised crop pollinators.
Free events. Light catering provided.
Speakers:
Kit Prendergast
PhD candidate, Curtin University WA (via video)
Native bees and protecting their habitat
Dr Katja Hogendoorn
Research Associate, University of Adelaide
Native bees and crop pollination (canola, fruits and vegetable production)
Dr Julian Brown
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Australian National University
Native bees in orchards, berry farms, and nature reserves
Karen Thomas
Port Phillip & Westernport CMA
Hover flies and other important invertebrates
Event dates:
Monday 26th August, 6.30pm-8.30pm
Darley Civic and Community Hub, 182 Halletts Way, Darley (Bacchus Marsh)
Hosted by PPWCMA, Moorabool Shire, Moorabool Landcare Network, Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group and Farming Moorabool
Tuesday 27th August, 1.30pm-3.30pm
Box Hill Institute, Centre for Biosecurity Excellence
Building LC Auditorium, 1 Jarlo Dve, Lilydale
Hosted by PPWCMA, Agribusiness Yarra Valley, Yarra Ranges Landcare Network and Box Hill Institute
Wednesday 28th August, 9:30am-11:30am
Bayles Public Hall, 660 Kooweerup Longwarry Rd, Bayles
Hosted by PPWCMA and Western Port Catchment Landcare Network
For more information contact Karen Thomas M: 0427 480 170 E: karen.thomas@ppwcma.vic.gov.au