Knows the Natives Track- Session Descriptions
Breakout #1: Breeding Native Cultivars: Is Artificial Selection Impacting Insect Visitation? With Tommy Roth
In response to the rise in demand for native plants, breeders have begun to release bred native cultivars. When traits such as leaf color, flower color and nectar composition are changed by breeding, the insect communities hosted by a wild-type native plant are altered. In this presentation we will discuss the traits which when changed negatively impact insect and wildlife communities.
Breakout #2: How Colorado State and Local Policies Can Boost Native Plant Landscaping with Suzanne O’Neill, Deryn Davidson, Joyce Kennedy and Danna Liebert
As we plan and update our gardens for native plants and pollinators, it is useful to be aware of recent state legislation, local ordinances and studies that address turf, water and pollinating invertebrates. Panelists discuss how the laws and ordinances help us adopt beneficial conservation practices, a need for further state and local action and informed public engagement to protect biodiversity.
Breakout #3: Parks Pollinators and People: How landscape and local factors drive differences in pollinator biodiversity in Denver, Colorado parks with Nicki Bailey
Pollinator populations are declining globally, but city parks could be a crucial refuge. We investigated the prevalence of the “luxury effect” in Denver, to find if affluent areas supported greater bee and butterfly diversity. We found that greater floral diversity directly related to increased bee species richness, emphasizing the importance of native floral plantings across parks.