Presented by Erin Shank, Missouri Department of Conservation

Landscaping practices in urban areas have a significant impact on the survival of native pollinators. Saint Louis University researchers, with support from Missouri Department of Conservation, conducted a 5-year monitoring study of native bees in St. Louis and discovered that we share our city with a vast diversity and abundance of native bee species. This discovery has been a surprise to many in the conservation field and suggests that urban areas may act as a refuge for native bees, which are largely in decline throughout their ranges. Within St. Louis, bee diversity varies greatly from one neighborhood to another due to the forage quality and nesting opportunities of the surrounding landscape.

From small plantings in parks, to back yards, to corporate campuses, land management practices directly and dramatically impact native bee populations. Come learn about native Missouri bees and some simple but significant landscape practices you can employ to aid native bee conservation. 

Erin says:

I am the Urban Wildlife Biologist for Missouri Department of Conservation, a position I’ve held for over 15 years. I received my Masters in Wildlife from University of Minnesota, where I worked primarily on white-tailed deer and waterfowl management. As a Missouri Department of Conservation biologist, I cooperate with communities and organizations to improve urban wildlife habitat, with a special focus on invertebrate and songbird conservation and storm water management. I’m also a Webster Groves resident and Statesman fan!

Sponsored by the Webster Groves Green Spaces Commission