Knox Lincoln County Beekeepers (KLCB) host beekeeper and Master Gardener Jean Vose on Saturday, Jan. 20 at the Knox-Lincoln Counties Extension Office at 377 Manktown Road in Waldoboro. The program begins at 10 a.m.

The topic of the presentation is "Pollinators and the Gardens that Feed Them." The slideshow program will describe the basics needed to create a pollinator friendly garden as well as the food sources that attract and nourish them.

Vose will give an overview of Maine pollinators discussing their activity and role in garden pollination. Maine pollinators include bees, both honey, bumble and native as well as hummingbirds, butterflies, moths, bats and flies. Participants will learn about the principles of planting a pollinator garden, providing an eco-friendly landscape for garden creatures and the value of native plants.

Handouts will be provided including plant lists of the nectar and pollen sources in Midcoast Maine.   Other information will be available about pollinators, eco-friendly practices, invasive plants, and gardens. Honey bees and other insects are vital to the pollination of many of our flowers, fruits and vegetables. In recent years, pollinators have been challenged by habitat loss, predatory and parasitic insects along with insecticides. 

Many of us are trying to live our lives in a way that’s more respectful of our natural surroundings. We reduce, reuse, and recycle, as the old refrain goes, we’re increasingly aware of our energy usage, and we know that clean energy is how we’ll power ourselves into the future. So why should our approach to our gardens be any different? Learn how to create a strong environment for bees, pollinators and other creatures. We can all make a difference and if you garden . . . you probably already have.

This program is free and open to the public. Coffee, tea and breakfast treats will be served.

For more information, call Jean Vose at 563-7564 or visit us our website at www.klcbee.com for details and directions.