Pollinators in Decline: Steps to Protect Them in Massachusetts

WESTBOROUGH, MA—There's a significant threat to our pollinators: honey bees, wild bees, butterflies and other creatures, and many are concerned. But there is something that can be done to collectively minimize the risk of these threats.

The Friends of the Earth and a consortium of local environmental groups, including Mass Audubon, New England Wild Flower Society, Toxics Action Center, Northeast Organic Farming Association and others are joining forces to raise awareness with an event at the Fish and Wildlife Headquarters in Westborough on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon, called "Pollinators in Decline: Steps to Protect Them in Massachusetts."

"Many of our most critical pollinators are in crisis in Massachusetts," said the release. "From native to managed bees to birds to butterflies, the creatures we rely on for our food supply are in great trouble and need your help. Join us for a series of presentations that will demonstrate how Massachusetts can become a national leader in pollinator protection."

There's an impressive list of speakers, too:

• Mary Duane, president, Worcester County Beekeepers Association, speaks about managed honeybee colonies
• Mike Nelson, Ph.D, invertebrate zoologist, MassWildlife, speaks about butterflies, native bees and other insect pollinators
• Dr. Martha Gach, conservation coordinator, Massachusetts Audubon Society, speaks about pollinator habitat
• Mark Richardson, director of Botanical Gardens, New England Wildflower Society, speaks about pollinator-friendly plants
• Dr. Robert J. Gegear, assistant professor, Department of Biology and Biotechnology and Director of the New England Bee-cology Project, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
• Representative Carolyn Dykema
• Senator James Eldridge

Patch file photo