BEDFORD – The White River Forestry Committee will host a Pollinator workshop and tour near Heltonville on Saturday, July 24, 2021, from 10 AM until noon. Carroll Ritter with the White River Committee organized the workshop. She said the group has great speakers scheduled and hopes the weather cooperates.
Ritter said Evan Smith with the Natural Resource Conservation Service will lead a discussion on the plot that the group visits and will give an overview of what programs are available to people to plant pollinator areas. He will also explain what results people can expect.
Travis Stoelting, Wildlife Biologist with Indiana Department of Natural Resources, will talk about the values of pollinators, what species might be found in our area, how to identify them, and wildlife ecology.
Ritter explained these presentations will last approximately 30 minutes. Those who attend the workshop will look for, identify, and collect data on the plot. Attendees will be able to participate in hands-on learning. The data collection will last approximately an hour with the experts assisting. The last 30 minutes will consist with the group compiling their findings and completing a data table to show what that pollinator field contributes to the ecosystem.
The workshop, hosted by the White River Forestry Committee is free with light refreshments provided. The workshop has a maximum of 25 available spots and only those 12 and over should attend. Reservations are required and directions will be sent when your reservation is confirmed. Please send reservation requests to Teena Ligman at tdligman@att.net by July 20. Other sponsors for the workshop include the Indiana Forestry and Woodlands Owners Association and Indiana Forestry Education Foundation.
Long pants, sturdy shoes, and a hat are recommended for all attendees.
