One of the unexpected realities following the devastating flooding of Hurricane Helene, is the opportunity to study flood impacts to our larger ecosystem, both in wild and cultivated areas. On September 12 at the Mountain Horticultural Research and Extension Center in Mills River, a workshop will be help to highlight one aspect of research as it related to pollinator impacts.

In this workshop, participants will learn about the work of N.C. State University researchers Drs. Hannah Levenson & Brad Metz who are studying the impact of flooding on plant and pollinator communities in North Carolina. They will discuss the important partnerships among pollinator and plant communities, how they are disrupted during environmental catastrophe, what steps can be taken to rebuild, and the potential for improving outcomes for agriculture and wild species communities at large. This presentation will be accompanied by instruction on establishing and assessing pollinator habitat on various properties.

The first 50 registered attendees will receive a bag of wildflower seed to implement the practices discussed on their own property. Additional registrants will be added to a wait list. All registrants are invited to bring a soil sample from the area where pollinator habitat will/would be implemented on their property which will be tested for metal contamination, free of charge.

Date: September 12