This workshop includes an overview of native resident and migrating pollinators of the midwest and their habitat needs, highlighting the biology and ecological relationships of the rusty patched bumblebee, monarch, Karner blue, and other Midwestern/Great Lakes region species of concern including grassland birds.

TOPIC 1: Native bees – Including the importance and diversity of species, habitat needs, life history overview and status of species of concern highlighting RPBB.
Ed Spevak, Ph.D., Curator of Invertebrates, St. Louis Zoo and Director, Center for Native Pollinator Conservation

TOPIC 2: Native Lepidoptera - Including the importance and diversity of species, habitat needs, life history overview, and status of species of concern.
Anna Hess, Ph.D., Deputy Director, USGS, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

TOPIC 3: Maximizing Benefits for Grassland Wildlife on USFWS Lands.
Kelly VanBeek, Wildlife Biologist-Migratory Bird Program, USFWS
Ben Walker, Wildlife Biologist, USFWS, Glacial Ridge & Rydell National Wildlife Refuges, MN