Pollinators such as bees and butterflies are crucial for helping to produce the fruits and vegetables grown in the West.

But it’s not just bees and butterflies. Wasps and flies also visit native flowers, and they provide another important service as pest control for many farm and garden insect pests.

To encourage homeowners to support native pollinator populations, University of Nevada, Reno Extension is presenting free workshops in Reno and Elko on using native plants to attract pollinators and other beneficial insects. 

“Native plants are a beautiful part of our local landscape, as well as crucial resources for a huge number of native insects,” Integrated Pest Management Educator Kevin Burls, with the Extension unit of the University’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources, said. “Planting native species of plants can beautify your landscape, reduce your water usage, increase survival of seedlings, and provide habitat for flower visitors.” 

The workshop will cover local pollinator diversity and ecology, review common native plants and how to garden for pollinators, and end with a short hands-on demonstration on planting native pollinator seedlings. Participants will receive native pollinator plant seeds adapted for their region.

The Reno workshop is 1:30-3 p.m., April 17, at the Truckee Meadows Nature Study Area, 6800 Pembroke Drive. Register for the Reno workshop online by April 14. 

The Elko workshop is 10-11:30 a.m., June 12, at the Extension office in Elko County, 701 Walnut St. Register for the Elko workshop online by June 10.

Both workshops will be held outdoors regardless of weather, and all COVID-19 safety requirements will be enforced, including social distancing and the use of masks. Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance must email Burls, or call him at 775-336-0255 at least three days prior to the scheduled class.

Source: University of Nevada, Reno Extension, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.