SOLD OUT - Chicks in Horticulture Lunch

Introducing: Laura Klahre, Blossom Meadow Farm 

The day's Topic:  Join bee rancher, farmer, and award-winning jammer Laura Klahre (Blossom Meadow Farm) for an eye-opening alternative pollinator discussion of Long Island’s native bees, flies, wasps, and moths. As our food systems and ecosystems (not to mention our actual livelihoods) are highly dependent on insect pollination, we should see these creatures as brand ambassadors for the nursery industry. Native pollinators are not domesticated so they need to be coaxed, managed, or induced to nest where they can pollinate one’s garden, farm or forest. Through great pictures and first-hand knowledge, we will cover; 

1. Why and specifically which pollinators will be most advantageous for higher yields and larger, more well-rounded produce.
2. How the charismatic pollinators can sell more plants/trees (e.g., sunflowers are a great venue for “high fiving” bumble bees; mason bees are fun “pets” and visit flowering fruit trees; moon gardens are great for moths and people that work late hours but still like gardening).
3. Specific actions we have taken at the farm to support pollinator populations (e.g., species planted, types of habitat provided, and bee ranching efforts).  

About Laura: Laura Klahre’s work life has spanned the Dept of Interior, Peconic Estuary Program, and The Nature Conservancy before incorporating her farm in 2009. Blossom Meadow Farm in Southold NY specializes in growing organic berries to make award-winning jam (national Good Food Awards, International Flavor Awards, World Jam Festival) and raising mason bees for sale as cocoons. Now widely coined as "regenerative agriculture," Blossom Meadow Farm embraces nature to improve soil health and consistently harvest thousands of pounds of premium fruit each year.