Learn about the importance of pollinator diversity in the PNW and beyond. Bob will explain the roles that solitary and social wasps, solitary and social bees, sawflies, flies, beetles, moths and butterflies play in the pollination of plants, and the importance of conserving their seasonal nesting and overwintering habitats. Bob will also discuss the importance of providing pollen and nectar for pollinators over an extended period of time by planting a diversity of native and ornamental plants that flower from late winter until early autumn.

Bob Gillespie is a retired entomologist who is using his retirement to introduce people to the diversity of pollinators, the environmental factors that are leading to their decline, and the important role they play in the web of life. Bob obtained his B.S. in Education from the University of Nebraska where he majored in History and Physical Education/Exercise Physiology. He holds an M.S. in Entomology from the University of Idaho, and a Ph.D. in Biology (with an emphasis in Insect and Plant Ecology) from Montana State University. He received research funding through USDA/ARS Rangeland Insect Lab.