Workshop spotlights beneficial insects

AMES – Farmers, researchers and native plant aficionados are invited to a one-day workshop exploring how to enhance the ecosystem services provided by beneficial insects.

Iowa State University’s Departments of Entomology and Natural Resource Ecology and Management, with support from the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, will host the workshop on Aug. 4.

Beneficial insects provide services like pollination and  suppression of pests. Farmers and gardeners can encourage these insects by creating a refuge that supplies them a source of pollen and nectar.

At the workshop, participants will learn how to identify helpful insects and the native plants that attract them. Experts will discuss how to create resilient landscapes that provide multiple services, and federal and state programs that help support this form of conservation.

Participants will have a chance to examine insect specimens and visit the Field Extension Education Labor-atory (FEEL), where re-searchers are testing the ability of native plants to attract helpful species, like bees and lady beetles.

The workshop will take place at FEEL, five miles west of Ames. Register by July 15 at www.aep.iastate.edu/ent