12th Annual Richard L. James Lecture: Creating Biodiverse Pollinator Gardens (online)

The plight of insect pollinators like bees, butterflies, and beetles– not to mention the songbirds that feed upon them– is finally receiving the attention it deserves. As public awareness of these keystone creatures grows, pollinator gardens are becoming more and more popular. But how do you build a biologically diverse pollinator garden in your own yard that fully embraces both science and design?

Landscape designer Claudia West has the answers. Coauthor of the critically acclaimed Planting in a Post-Wild World and a leading voice in ecological planting design, Claudia will use her design of The Arboretum at Penn State’s new Pollinator and Bird Garden as a case study, focusing on principles and practices that can be applied to any project. You’ll learn how science-based design attracts and supports an abundance of pollinators and birds, discover how design makes habitats more visible and perceptible to people, and understand the importance of sensitive landscape stewardship for successful pollinator populations.

The annual Richard L. James Lecture was established in memory of founding executive director Dick James, the charismatic educator, writer and radio personality that led the organization from 1965 until his retirement in 1996. The lecture annually brings leading environmental voices to the Center to discuss cutting-edge environmental issues.

The lecture is free but donations are welcome.