Populations of pollinators are in decline across the world and interest in protecting these vital animals has never been greater, or more needed. At the same time, the National Organic Rule mandates that organic farmers maintain or improve the natural resources on their farm. These natural resources include on-farm biodiversity. Establishing habitat for pollinators and other beneficial insects is increasingly being used to meet these multiple goals: increasing populations of wild native bees, strengthening honey bee hives, and increasing on-farm biodiversity, as well as increasing populations of natural predators and parasitoids of crop pests. However, organic farmers interested in creating pollinator-rich habitat are more limited in the methods they can use to properly prepare a site for planting.

In this webinar, Xerces Society pollinator conservationists will demonstrate a new Pollinator Habitat Evaluation Guide for organic farms to help NRCS conservation planners and landowners learn how to recognize pollinator habitat and opportunities for habitat creation. Xerces will also share lessons they and NRCS restoration specialists are learning from field trials of organic habitat restoration techniques on farms in the Upper Midwest and at the NRCS Cape May, NJ Plant Materials Center--including basic organic methods for eradicating weeds at new habitat sites prior to planting.  

Certified Crop Advisor CEUs - Crop Management (1 hr) 

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