In 2023, Massachusetts made national history when Governor Maura Healey signed Executive Order 618, committing the Commonwealth to halt biodiversity loss by restoring critical habitats and protecting native species. But one longstanding state practice directly undermines these ambitious goals: the…
Native bees have a 150 million year history with blooming plants. Not unexpectedly it has gotten complex. Many bees are extremely picky about the flowers they gather pollen and nectar from. Explore this pickiness and also point out that many…
Bird populations are declining at an alarming rate due to habitat loss, climate change, and pesticides. Fortunately, there are simple actions you can take to restore critical bird habitat in your yards and gardens. In this talk, Desirée will share…
The way we currently manage our suburban and urban landscapes is creating an ecological wasteland. Fortunately, we have an alternative path: by working with natural systems instead of against them, we have the power to help Earth heal. Basil will begin by…
Funded by a Healthy Soils Action Grant from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, for the past two years Landscape Interactions has been collaborating with farmers and community gardeners across Massachusetts to develop a series of scalable, replicable…
The Massachusetts Pollinator Network hosts monthly drop-in, informal meetings for participants from across the state to learn about topics relevant to our work, share projects, ask questions, and exchange knowledge, ideas, and updates. Whether you’re a seasoned community organizer, a…
A Massachusetts Pollinator Network Presentation Native edible and medicinal plant species can be integrated into gardens and ecological restoration projects to create habitats that support (and include) humans as part of local ecosystems. We'll consider stewarding edible and medicinal plant…
Dawn Burau, from Wild Indigo Gardening, will share her experiences growing native plants in a Somerville, MA yard. Her backyard is covered in pavement and abuts the neighbor’s yard near a chain-link fence. Between the pavement and the fence is…
Transform your garden into a stunning, season-spanning landscape with the power of native plants. Instructor Duncan Himmelman will guide you through the beauty and benefits of incorporating native trees, shrubs and perennials into your outdoor spaces on Saturday, Sept. 13,…
Growing Beautiful Native Gardens At this workshop, discover native and pollinator-friendly flowers, shrubs and trees that grow well in the Berkshires and provide essential food and shelter for native insects and birds. Presenter Liz Stell designed the Pollinator Gardens at…