SUMMIT OVERVIEW
Pollinators and other beneficial insects are in trouble, with multiple stressors such as habitat loss, fragmentation, pesticide use, and disease all contributing to alarming declines in their health and biodiversity. This has serious implications for the health of our landscapes, our food systems, and our communities. The 2016 Pollinator Summit will focus on plants and plant choices as an important solution to protecting pollinators on our urban landscapes, including current research and best practices that can be applied in your own work or community.

WHAT TO EXPECT
Presentations and case studies with a focus on current research and best practicices in planting design, plant selection, plant materials and supply, and plant management on both public and private lands. The Summit will feature: 

• Current research information focusing on bee nutrition, and the connection between healthy pollinators and plants, including native and non-native plant species.

• Projects with a goal of protecting pollinators, and that demonstrate best practices in planting design, plant selection, and plant management, including lessons learned on both private and public lands.

• Local and regional policies affecting landscape development and management that address pollinators, to inform future needs and work.

• Wild Bee Safaris - get up close and personal with native bees and other pollinators in the garden.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Landscape designers • landscape architects • land managers • state and local agency staff • parks and public works staff • community planners • non-profit staff • urban gardeners • elected and appointed officials • commercial growers • builders and developers • educators • concerned citizens • nurseries/garden centers/plant production staff • others inspired to protect pollinators

SUMMIT HIGHLIGHTS

This Summit will feature Pigeonhole Live, an interactive platform for audience participation. Bring any web-capable device such as a phone, laptop, or tablet. No apps, sign-up or downloads reguired, and wi-fi is available, but data usage may apply if using cell service.

View Pigeonhole Results
Attendee Survey  •  Keynote Speaker Emma Marris •  Production Panel •   Planting Soluctions, Success Stories Case Studies

KEYNOTE PRESENTER
Emma Marris, author of "Rambunctious Garden"

Pollination in the Anthropocene view presentation
The world is changing, and quickly. How will pollinators - and those working to preserve pollination- adapt? This talk will situate the Earth in its current moment in time, when every inch of the planet has been influenced by humans. It will then explore these implications for pollination. We will consider wild pollinators in urban spaces, the use of non-native hosts and food resources for pollinators and non-native pollinator for native plants, along with even more novel scenarios and techniques. Finally, we will take a moment to consider how we frame the changes and how our own framing may affect how future generations perceive and value nature.

Watch Emma Marris's TED Talk in Banff, Alberta

Ms. Marris is a writer based in Klamath Falls, Oregon, where she writes about nature, people, food, language, books and film. Her goal is to find and tell stories that help us understand the past; take meaningful action in the present; and move towards a greener, wilder, happier and more equal future. Her stories have appeared in the New York Times, Slate, Orion, Discover, Grist and Nature, where she worked as a staffer for several years. She has a Master’s in Science Writing from the Johns Hopkins University. Her first book came out in 2011. Rambunctious Garden is an important read for anyone who cares about the environment. As humans influence every centimeter of Earth, from where species live to its very climate, our strategies for saving nature must change. This book explains why, and more importantly, how. And it is an exciting journey.

SUMMIT LUNCH MENU

Box lunch includes Petite Roasted Turkey Sandwich with Apple and Red Onion Jam served on a Focaccia Roll, Mixed Greens with Apples, Goat Cheesse Crumbles and served wtih Honey Thyme Vinaigrette, and for dessert a Maple Granola Cookie.

AFTER THE SUMMIT

Please join us for a special sneak peek of the new Tashjian Bee and Discovery Pollinator Center before its official opening and happy hour, networking, and BEE SAFARIS in the Garden!

This state-of-the-art venue will showcase the vital importance of bees to agriculture and humanity on the planet. Reflecting University of Minnesota environmental and agricultural research, the center will feature exhibit areas on the social behavior of bees, their vital role as key pollinators of our fruits, vegetables, and flowers, the human health benefits derived from bees and bee products and the way to promote bee health.