Protecting Pollinators In Ornamental Landscapes Conference

Protecting Pollinators In Ornamental Landscapes Conference

The early registration deadline – Aug. 1 – for the Protecting Pollinators in Ornamental Landscapes Conference is quickly approaching. This conference, hosted by Michigan State University Extension and North Carolina State University, is Oct. 12-14, 2015. It is intended for extension educators, academic and industry researchers, growers and representatives of related industries interested in or involved with ornamental plant production or maintenance.

Experts from across the country and from Canada and the United Kingdom are presenting at the conference on how to protect pollinators in managed landscapes, yards and gardens. Speakers will share research-based information on the factors contributing to bee decline of native bees and managed honeybees. The largest session, “Pesticides and Pollinators,” will offer talks from seven leading researchers on the impacts of pesticides on pollinators in landscapes. Speakers will also highlight programs that they have designed to engage consumers in the national conversation on pollinator health.

In addition to the 23 educational sessions, the conference will offer a poster session open to all attendees to share their research, outreach and achievements with their colleagues. The posters must demonstrate conservation, education, extension/outreach, regulatory perspectives or research about protecting pollinators. The posters must be submitted for review by Sept. 1, and authors will be notified of their acceptance by Sept. 15.

An optional tour to Biltmore, the 8,000 acre estate of George Vanderbilt, will feature a one-hour horticultural tour to learn how Biltmore Gardens addresses pest management and protects and encourages pollinators. Attendees will then have a two-hour, self-guided visit inside the Biltmore house, gardens and conservatory, as well as the village, farm, winery and legacy exhibit at Antler Hill. The Biltmore Horticultural Gardens Tour is rapidly filling up, so register today to get a spot!

If you register for the conference before Aug. 1, the cost is $180. After Aug. 1, the cost of the conference is $250. Registration for the conference closes Oct. 1, 2015. Registration for the conference is limited to the first 170 participants! Register online for the Protecting Pollinators in the Ornamental Landscape Conference.

Lodging is not included with registration. Participants will need to reserve their rooms ($115/person/night for double room; $150/person/night for single room PLUS $5 registration fee) as soon as possible as space is limited. Reserve your hotel now.

Please also check out:

• Protecting Pollinators in Ornamental Landscapes Conference keynote speakers announced
• First national conference on how to protect pollinators in ornamental landscapes

Thank you to our current conference sponsors:

• Gold: Bayer CropScience, Valent
• Silver: Biobest
• Bronze: American Floral Endowment, MPS