||| FROM JENNIFER DEGROOT for ORCAS ISLAND LIBRARY |||
More than 200 wild bees and flies are native to the San Juan Islands, but many are threatened by pesticides, loss of nesting habitat, competition with introduced non-native bee species, and the spread of parasitic flies, mites, and viruses. Learn to identify, protect, and provide appropriate habitat for the most important native pollinators of island gardens and wildlands, including bumblebees, wild solitary bees, and hover flies, from Kwiaht ecologist Russel Barsh.
Since 2011, he has been identifying, monitoring and photographing pollinators in gardens, farms, conservation lands and small uninhabited islands of the archipelago.
Russel is the author of the Kwiaht field guide to Butterflies of the San Juan Islands, and co-author of Kwiaht’s 2026 illustrated book, Naming and Knowing Indigenous Plants of the San Juan Islands.
Please join us at 1 pm on Saturday, October 24th at the Orcas Public Library for a native pollinator presentation by Russel Barsh. Russel will be available following the presentation to answer any questions you may have about identifying and protecting our native pollinators. This event is free and open to all.
**If you are reading theOrcasonian for free, thank your fellow islanders. If you would like to support theOrcasonian CLICK HERE to set your modestly-priced, voluntary subscription. Otherwise, no worries; we’re happy to share with you.**
Leave A Comment