Mike Connor, Certified Arborist
Pollinators are on the decline, but you can help! Many of us are familiar with the importance of planting flowers, but did you know that planting pollinator-friendly trees makes an even bigger difference for bees?
To help us learn why trees are so important to pollinators, Sierra Clubs’ Growing Green and the Fulton Heights neighborhood association are bringing in Mike Connor, a 50-year beekeeper, Certified Arborist, and owner of Honeytree Nursery. Mike will explain something most would find surprising- that trees are actually the largest concentration of flowers for the bees.
“Trees are meadows in the sky,” says Mike. “One basswood tree has more nectar than half an acre of sweet clover.”
Mike goes on to explain that finding the right nutrition is the greatest challenge pollinators are currently facing- greater than the effects of pests, diseases, and pesticides. Pollen is protein for the bees, and to get all the amino acids required for reproduction, the bees need a variety of sources. These sources need to be available throughout the different times of the year that different varieties of bees are feeding. The right trees play a vital role in providing the variety and quantity of pollen and nectar.
To learn more about bee nutrition, and which trees are helpful to pollinators, you are invited to attend this free educational event on June 23rd, 7pm at Encounter Church, 1736 Lyon St NE, Grand Rapids. Doors open at 6pm for socializing and refreshments. Please RSVP by June 20 to [email protected].
Pollinator-Friendly Landscapes Presentation
Thursday, June 23rd.
6 pm Social hour & refreshments
7 PM Presentation
Location: Encounter Church, 1736 Lyon St NE, Grand Rapids, MI
Free and open to all
Please RSVP by June 20 to [email protected]
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