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So we’ve not been able to gloat about our beautiful winter weather the past couple of days.
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Welcome to The 2017 Winter Steward Education Event
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But at least the rain may help us gloat about the wildflowers in March
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Our program this morning
Steve Dodd
Field Institute update Dr. Helen Rowe Steward, Class 54 Director, Field Institute
Legacy Steward, Class 5 Team Lead, Steward Events Volunteer Support Program
Transition from growth to sustainability Lynne Russell Steward, Class 42 Chair, Core Leadership Team © 2016 McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
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Our program this morning
Mike Nolan
Steward social research Ryan Bleam Steward, Class 51
Steward, Class 42 Team Lead, Steward Events Volunteer Support Program
A Solitary Tale Dr. John Weser Executive Director Center for Native and Urban Wildlife © 2016 McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
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How it all fits
McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
Field Institute Mission
Dr. Helen Rowe Director Steward, Class 54
Conduct ecological research to inform long-term natural resource management of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, educate, and contribute to broader scientific knowledge
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Research Partners
Field Institute Update
Science Advisory Committee
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Project Results
Trail use introduction
Impact of Differential Trail Usage on Adjacent Plants and Soil Crust
750,000 visits per year More than 180 miles of trails All trails open to hikers, bikers, and equestrians
McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Field Institute Helen Rowe, Melanie Tluczek, and others
Field Institute
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Use concentrated around trailheads
Citizen Science Program
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Methods
Research question
Measured along a gradient of use (high medium low) at three trailheads (9 trails)
What impact does trail use have on the trails in the Preserve?
Transect design Ta
Tom’s Thumb Block
Tb
T2
T1
450 meters
5 meters
Gateway Block
30 meters
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Brown’s Ranch Block
Mechanical and human counters
Hypotheses: An increase in trail use will have a greater impact on the adjacent plant community and soil crusts along the trail. © 2016 McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
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5 meters 30 meters
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Measuring Trail Use
Measures
Mechanical trail counters
Plant community adjacent to trails – species, percent cover
Trail visitation
Human trail counters Block
Along each study trail
Gateway
Counts individuals 24 hours
Along each study trail Counts user types in 2 hour increments
No differentiation between users 19
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Testing hypotheses – interaction effect 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%
* *
.
** *
5m Controls Adjacent to trail
Results Soil Crust --- 5m from trail --- Adjacent to trail P-values *p ≤ 0.05 **p < 0.01 *** p < 0.001
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S.E.
N
Mean
2
* 5m Controls Adjacent to trail
Medium visitation
High visitation
9.00
2.00
2
26.00
0.50
17
23.38
2.74
3.00
1.00
2
17.75
1.75
17
13.97
1.49
2
0.50
0.50
2
1.75
1.75
17
2.44
0.39
Gateway
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16.15
2.14
6
51.33
10.54
13
60.12
7.37
Bell Pass
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4.46
0.54
6
22.92
3.00
13
23.38
2.92
Windgate
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3.31
0.51
6
17.33
1.63
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23.77
3.60
Tom's Thumb
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25.73
3.40
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50.94
6.40
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64.37
6.22
Marcus Landslide
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4.47
1.01
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19.89
4.99
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19.42
3.14
Feldspar
0
.
.
0
.
.
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3.32
0.79
High
Medium
Medium
Medium
Low
Low
High
High
Medium
Medium
Low
Medium
High
High
Medium
Medium
Low
Low
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* 5m Controls Adjacent to trail
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Medium visitation
High visitation
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Results Plant Richness --- 5m from trail --- Adjacent to trail
* *
* *
Letters denote significant differences CAPS = visitation levels Lower case = distance from trail
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Actual visitation level
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Low visitation
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Visitation by block
S.E.
2
100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%
Letters denote significant differences CAPS = visitation levels Lower case = distance from trail
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Mean
100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%
--- 5m from trail --- Adjacent to trail
** *
N
Testing hypotheses – visitation effect?
Results % Cover * *
S.E.
Testing hypotheses – distance effect
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Saturday AM mean (human counter)
Mean
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Low visitation
High visitation
Tom's Thumb
Saturday AM mean (mechanical counter)
N
Rustler
Brown's Ranch Hackamore
3 years of data 2014-2016
Medium visitation
Monthly mean (mechanical counter)
Upper Ranch
Percent cover of soil crust
Low visitation
Trail
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** *
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Summary
Summary
Soil crust most reduced adjacent to medium and high use trails
Annual cover and richness differed by trail use, but not distance from trail, indicating differences in soils, plant community rather than an effect from trails.
Perennial cover and richness reduced adjacent to trails compared with 5 m away
© 2016 McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
Non native plant cover and richness also not affected by proximity to trail, richness follows patterns of annual richness.
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Priority 1: Assess the impact of urban stressors and climate change on the Preserve
Sensitive animal species
Water resources
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Methods
Questions: How does “ripping” affect the regeneration of native plant communities?
Split plot design – 2 factors • Rip/No Rip transects • Seeding • Seed – July (monsoon) • Seed – November (winter) • Seed bank (local topsoil) • No seed control • 10 transects
In which season is seeding most effective? Is shrub understory topsoil effective as a seeding strategy?
Rip 34
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Priority 2: Improve best management practices in ecological restoration and control of invasive non-native plant species for the Sonoran Desert and other arid lands.
Nonnative plant monitoring & removal
Wildlife 32 32
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Closed trail restoration project
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Priority 1: Assess the impact of urban stressors and climate change on the Preserve
Plants
Overarching priorities and Upcoming field season new projects
Restoration
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Closed Trail Restoration
No Rip © 2016 McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
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Buffelgrass and Fountaingrass Removal Study Displaces natives Spreading in Preserve Increases fire threat Introduced for forage and horticultural purposes
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• •
• •
Treatments
What is the most cost effective approach to: a) Control buffelgrass and fountain grass b) Protect native plant diversity
Fountain grass
Buffelgrass
Pull and thatch Cut and spray (same season) Spray only (1x per year) Spray only (2 x per year) Do nothing control Un-infested control
Pull and thatch Pull (spring) and spray (fall) Spray only (1x per year) Spray only (2 x per year) Do nothing control Un-infested control
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Quartz Wash and Brown’s Mountain 5m x 5m plots Estimate percent cover of all perennials, annuals species annually Post treatment sampling Treatments re-applied annually for up to 5 years
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Research questions:
32 deer captured and collared in 5 days
Does the Preserve function as a wildlife corridor?
Monitoring movements for 2 years
What is the effect of urbanization (neighborhoods, roads, noise) on wildlife movement patterns and abundance?
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Camera trapping with acoustic ecology
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Mule Deer Collar Project
Wildlife Connectivity
Measures •
Research question
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Research partner – Scott Sprague AZGFD
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Camera trapping with acoustic ecology
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Outreach events Jr. Citizen Science – March 2017 Research Symposium – Winter 2018
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Questions?
Thank You! The Amazing McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Field Institute Citizen Scientists Field Institute Research Partners Individual donors
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Transition from growth to sustainability
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"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead
Lynne Russell Steward, Class 42 Chair, Core Leadership Team
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There were these people… There was this land…
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There were these people…
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They may not have changed the world…
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But they sure changed the City of Scottsdale.
But they sure changed the City of Scottsdale.
And continue to do so.
And continue to do so.
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They may not have changed the world…
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Stewardship 2010
Advocates
Change from acquisition to management
Stewards
Field Institute Stewardship 2020
Pathfinders
2016 Leadership Commitee
Classes 61
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Building on 25 years of success
Hikes
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You are those people.
Building on 25 years of success You are those people.
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The next 25 years Core Leadership Team CLT Programs/Committees
What the leadership committee did
What the leadership committee did
Asked lots of questions of lots of people
Evaluated cultural strengths, weaknesses
Consolidated answers to: Identify what we are doing right
Organizational development team Self Study Task Force
Suggest how we might do things better
Social science research
Validated recommendations and secured buy-in
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Clarified organizational issues, challenges Identified need for sustainable leadership model 65
Leadership committee members
What the leadership committee did Identified need for complete business model Established organizational development team
Toni Vallee, Chair Joe Blankenship John Cassidy Chris Crum Bernie Finkel
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Organizational team recruitment
Dan Gruber Donna Hottinger Janice Holden Lynne Russell
Understood critical importance of work Did a “targeted ask” for skilled resources Strong organizational development backgrounds Hands-on operations improvement
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Organizational development: The new “CATS” team
What the CATS team will do
and Transition to Sustainability
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CATS team members Joe Blankenship, Lead Chris Crum Dan Gruber David Duffee Franco Farina Janice Holden Susan Mitchell Lynne Russell (ad hoc)
Communicate Conservancy’s goals and needs Align resources to address organizational challenges Clarify roles and responsibilities to support future Transition Communicate expectations to support leadership and organizational Sustainability
Conservancy Alignment
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The Self-Study Task Force
Self-Study Task Force recruitment
The Self-Study Task Force members
Strategic “Outcomes” Task Force
Did a “targeted ask” for skilled resources
David Duffee, Lead Ryan Bleam Cinda McClain Jane Ginn
Continuing science based self evaluation
Behavioral and Social Science expertise
Look to similar organizations for best practices
Understanding of “logic modeling” to achieve measurable outcomes © 2016 McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
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Strategic Outcomes Task Force recruitment Broad understanding of Conservancy organization Solid understanding of currently active CLT programs
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Core Leadership Team
BJ Tatro, Facilitator David Dufee Lynne Russell Mike Nolan Steve Dodd Paul Staker Dan Gruber Rich Cochran © 2016 McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
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Self-Study Task Force
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Culture of the ask More “targeted asks” for specific skills, talents Additional “broad asks” for steward contributions
Human resources
Please take a serious look at your personal contributions Time, Talent, Treasure, Support & Leadership
Monetary resources Staff
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Strategic Outcomes Taskforce
CATS Team
Costs to Conservancy
Board Of Directors
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Coordination is key
Free isn’t free
Coordination is key Core Leadership Team
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The Strategic Outcomes Task Force members
Did a “targeted ask” for skilled resources
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Stewards
Learn new things but also utilize your existing skills and experiences © 2016 McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
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What social science research is showing us
Challenges we face
We are unique We are passionately committed to The Preserve The Conservancy The broader community We are connected and proud of what we do © 2016 McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
Your role in all of this
Ongoing support for steward program leadership
Take an active role in understanding the needs of the Conservancy
Continuing expansion of breadth and depth of leadership
Think about how you can make a difference beyond what you do
Expanded need for clarification of strategic goals and challenges Ongoing understanding of division of responsibilities 82
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What each of you can do now
What each of you can do now
Support marketing and fundraising activities to assure the Conservancy's financial viability
Increase your participation in communications, teamwork, planning, and accountability among stewards, staff, CLT, and directors
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Talk to the program chair of your favorite steward program about becoming a leader within that program
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You are making a difference in the Conservancy.
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Thank you on their behalf.
You are making a difference in the City of Scottsdale. © 2016 McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
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You can be really proud that the difference you are making now will be felt for generations to come.
You are making a difference in the Preserve.
Remember…
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What each of you can do now
Take on a support role in addition to delivery of services © 2016 McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
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Steward Study
Steward research
Goals: Academic & Practical
Ryan Bleam Steward, Class 51
Photovoice study recap Survey review Coming up ahead…
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Agreement with: I feel that others in the organization are a better fit or more able to fill these positions
What inhibits leadership?
# Years since NSO
50
120
45
Percent of non-leaders who agree/ strongly agree that the following reasons are inhibitive:
100
40 35
80
# years
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Reason Too time consuming Others better fit Too much admin work Feeling uprepared
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40
20
Agreement
Agree 65% 55% 40% 26%
30
Strongly Agree
1-3 years
4-6 years
7-9 years
25
17%
41%
14%
20
30%
10%
15
22%
4%
10
0
less than 1
%
48%
5
10 or more years
0
less than 1 year
1-3 years
Agree © 2016 McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
94
45
37% 30%
35
%
30
18%
25
22%
20%
20
11%
15 10 5 0
7-9 years
10 or more years
Strongly Agree
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• Some room for Tuesday night (1/24) presentation • Interviews in coming weeks • Formal presentation of survey results March 23rd, CAZCA lunch series at DBG
47%
40
4-6 years
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Coming up ahead…
Agreement with: “I feel that others in the organization are a better fit or more able to fill these positions.” 50
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9%
6% 0% Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Men
Neutral
Agree
Strongly Agree
Women
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What Kinds of Pollinators are There?
“Planting” Holes for Pollinators
A Solitary Tale Dr. John Weser Executive Director Center for Native and Urban Wildlife Scottsdale Community Collegre
A Solitary Tale
Photo by J Weser
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Why do plants attract pollinators?
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Pollinator Impacts on Fruit Development
...fruit and seed formation...
(Photo by Kristine Krewenka, Agroecology, Göttingen, Germany.)
Photos by J Weser
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The Pollination Buzz on Bees?
Why should a pollinator visit a flower?
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Trouble in the Honeybee World
On average, 1 in every 3 bites of food is the result of pollination by bees.
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Recognizing Bees
Bees can be mistaken for wasps
Bee-mimicking flies and wasps are often confused with Bees
Bee or Fly? Bees
Bee Usually thick bodied often vary hairy Stout legs with few spines
Why be a bee mimic?
WASPS ”wasp-waist”
Flies Short antennae
Generally lack pollen collecting hairs
Two wings Lack pollen collection hairs
Long, thin legs with spines 109
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Photo Yudy Sauw
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Not all bees are honey bees
To BEE or not to BEE Quiz
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What is a Native Solitary Bee? Lack hives
~4,000 solitary bee species in North America
Female “constructs” & provisions nest...dies before offspring emerge.
Over a 1,000 species in Arizona Solitary bees are efficient and effective pollinators
Photo by J Weser
Large eyes/connect at top in many species
Female not likely to sting Do not make honey
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Solitary Bee Life Cycle
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Solitary Bee Ecology:
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BEE Nests
Mating often occurs at the flower but many species mate on ground Short-lived life cycle…one year but many 4-6 weeks as adult.
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Digger Bee: Centris pallida
Ground Nesters ~70% of solitary species nest in ground some are called ”diggers” or ”miners”
Active mid-day/hot Why are these males digging into the ground? How do males locate females if they cant see them?
Nest in aggregations Frequent pollinator of Palo Verde, Ironwood, Desert willow, various cacti
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Females provision for young
Digger Bees: Centris pallida
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Some Cactus Bees make tubes
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Adrena: mining bees
Single honeypot Single egg
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“Sweat Bees”
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Crevice Nesters
Halictids Diverse group: varied in color Complex nests Pollen carried on legs some attracted to salts in sweat
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Leafcutter Bee Cut leaves/roll them for nests
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Leafcutter Bee
Carpenter Bees
Large “jaws” Carry pollen on underside of abdomen
Cuckoo Bees
Smooth abdomen Nests in soft dead wood, cottonwood or willow trunks, yucca stalks …wood structures
These bees have few hairs on body….. http://southwestdesertflora.com/
Why?
active all day even in the hottest part of day. 127
How to BEE good Stewards of Pollinators
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Help Scientists Study Bees Bee a
Enhancing Habitat for Bees: BEEing Careful
Citizen Scientist
SCC Solitary Bee Project
Enhancing Habitats Provide pollen and nectar for food:
Plant Phenology What native plants do bees use and when
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Plant Holes Ensure bees have nesting sites Reduce mulching, mowing and tilling that may destroy nests or future nesting sites.
Bee Phenology How does an urban setting influence species composition and activity vs nonurban environments?
Limit or avoid using neonicotinoids in pesticides & herbicides
Plant with Native plants -have coevolved with native bees
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The End
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Some housekeeping before we go
Some housekeeping before we go
Conservancy Messaging Module Family Sonoran Sunday Name tags Clean Up
Thanks for coming!
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