AMES, Iowa — The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place Jan. 19 at noon CST will feature Amy Toth, professor, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology at Iowa State University. Toth is an integrative biologist studying the fundamental and applied aspects of the biology of social insects. Her laboratory investigates aspects of the behavior, genetics, evolution, and ecology of bees and wasps.
In the webinar, “Can prairie habitat in the farm-dominated landscape of Iowa benefit bees and beekeepers?,” Toth will discuss the interconnections between bees and agronomic practices such as prairie strips in supporting the success of managed honeybee apiaries. She will also describe research on some of the environmental stressors facing bee populations in Iowa and recent research results suggesting the benefits of natural woodland and prairie habitat to bee populations.
“Bees in crop-field dominated areas lack the forage resources of abundant, diverse, and nutritious pollen and nectar that is important to colony health and productivity,” said Toth. “The beneficial crossover of agricultural conservation practices and promoting thriving bee populations should be of interest to anyone involved in agriculture and sustainability. This should also help farmers and landowners better understand the role they can play in providing habitat that sustains pollinators while also improving soil health and reducing runoff.”
Participants in Iowa Learning Farms Conservation Webinars are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.
Webinar Access Instructions
To participate in the live webinar, shortly before noon CST Jan. 19:
Click this URL, or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172
Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 364 284 172
Or, join from a dial-in phone line:
Dial: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923
Meeting ID: 364 284 172
The webinar will also be recorded and archived on the ILF website, so that it can be watched at any time. Archived webinars are available at: https://www.iowalearningfarms.org/page/webinars.
A Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit (CEU) has been applied for. Those who participate in the live webinar are eligible. Information about how to apply to receive the credit will be provided at the end of the live webinar.
About Iowa Learning Farms:
Established in 2004, Iowa Learning Farms is building a Culture of Conservation by encouraging adoption of conservation practices. Farmers, researchers and ILF team members are working together to identify and implement the best management practices that improve water quality and soil health while remaining profitable. Partners of Iowa Learning Farms include the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources, EPA Section 319 Grant Program and GROWMARK, Inc.
— Iowa Learning Farms
