Restoring the Little Things that Run the World with Doug Tallamy

Learn about the importance of insects from renowned author, Doug Tallamy, followed by panel of local experts with resources and tips! Gardeners, wildlife enthusiasts and backyard birdwatchers across the country will benefit from this lecture with professor and author, Doug Tallamy.

Doug Tallamy is an entomologist, ecologist and conservationist, a professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, and a successful author. He is well known for his books; “Nature’s Last Hope: A New Approach to Conservation that Starts in your Yard” and “Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens.” Tallamy will deliver a talk for us titled, “Restoring the Little Things that Run the World.” A recent UN report predicts that as many as 1 million species will disappear from planet earth because of human activities. Many of these are insects and nearly all species at risk rely on insects. Insects have already declined 45% since 1974. The alarming part of this statistic is that most people don’t appear to have noticed, despite the fact that a world without insects will be a world without humans!

So, how do we create beautiful landscapes brimming with life – landscapes that support the butterflies, caterpillars, bees, beetles and other insects that run the ecosystems we depend on? Tallamy will remind us of the essential roles insects play, and describe the simple changes we must make in our landscapes and our attitudes to keep insects on the ground, in the air and yes, on our plants.

This program is presented as part of the Audubon Afternoon Series by the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia and is co-sponsored by the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, Prince William Conservation Alliance, and Plant Nova Natives. After Tallamy’s presentation, stay with us for a panel of local experts who will share resources and information for applying Tallamy’s teachings in Northern Virginia. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/restoring-the-little-things-that-run-the-world-with-doug-tallamy-tickets-321836861717

Panelists:

Betsy Martin, Co-Director of Audubon at Home. We offer information, on-site consultation and recommendations to help you establish and nurture sustainable natural habitat in your backyard, neighborhood, school, church, park or business.

Michael Myers, Executive Director of Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. They inspire, motivate, and engage people to protect, preserve, and restore wildlife habitat in Loudoun County, VA.

Ashley Studholme, Programs Director of Prince William Conservation Alliance. PWCA works to establish equitable, sustainable communities, promote environmental stewardship, and create opportunities for residents to engage in decisions that affect the quality of their lives and the future of their communities.

Joanne Hutton, Co-Chair of Plant NOVA Natives. Plant NOVA Natives is the joint marketing campaign of a grand coalition of non-profit, governmental, and private groups, all working to reverse the decline of native plants and wildlife in Northern Virginia.