The United States is home to countless pollinators, ranging from birds and bats to butterflies and bees. In Montana, we have a multitude of pollinators, which can be found throughout our diverse ecosystems and landscapes. These important pollinators provide essential pollination services to agriculture, home gardens, and native plant biodiversity. Habitat loss is one of the leading issues impacting pollinators, and creating pollinator friendly landscapes is a critical component of conserving these important organisms. This presentation will be focused on learning about the diversity of Montana’s pollinators and understanding pollinator habitat needs, how you can integrate them into your yards and gardens, and how to keep pollinators safe from pesticides through responsible landscaping practices.
As the Extension Horticulture Specialist for Montana State University, Abi assists Master Gardeners, home gardeners, commercial and private green industry professionals, and county and reservation extension offices with horticulture-related programming, questions, concerns, and diagnostics throughout Montana. Abi has a research background in pollinator conservation, integrated pest management, and pollinator health through the University of Kentucky. She is also currently pursuing a PhD at Montana State University, with a focus on pollinator diversity and conservation in urban landscapes. Using her passion for pollinator conservation and outreach, Abi has a decade of experience building programming and publications through her roles in Extension at Montana State University, Colorado State University, and Michigan State University. She is also a writer for the Garden Professors Blog and a recurring panelist on Montana Ag Live.
