Pollinator Workshop

Environmental Connections worked with National Trust of South Australia’s, Alex Emmins to deliver a session on how to attract native bees and butterflies to your garden.  Katja Hogendoorn, our local native bee specialist from Adelaide University and Jan Forest, Butterfly Association of South Australia shared insights on these two very important groups of insects, responsible for pollinating our native plants.

We learnt that:

• Our native insects are threatened due to loss of habitat.

• Honey bees compete with our native bees, birds and other insects for nectar, pollen and nesting hollows.

• Of the 2,500 species of native bees only 1,700 have been identified.

• Most native bees are solitary.

Be Part Of The Solution - Plant more native plants.

• Even in a small suburban yard you can use native plants to attract bees and butterflies.

• Don’t use pesticides.

• Discover suitable food resources for native bees in the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges.

Alex Emmins, National Trust of South Australia with Sarah and Jan from the Butterfly Conservation SA

Katja Hogendoorn, Native Bee expert with Alex Emmins, National Heritage Manager, National Trust of South Australia