A Place to Bee-Long: Pollinator Habitat Conservation in Atchison

Oral Presentation
9:45-10:05 a.m. CDT on April 14, 2021

Butterflies, bees, and wasps are keystone species that sustain food chains by providing pollination. Their populations are declining due to habitat destruction, including the loss of the majority of prairie in the Midwest. Our goal is to utilize research, habitat creation, and public outreach to support local pollinator populations and involve the Atchison community in conservation efforts. First, we are conducting an experiment to investigate how different seed stratification methods impact germination rates for common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca). We stratified one experimental group of seeds in damp sterilized sand; another in damp non-sterilized sand; and a control group without substrate. We will measure the success of each method by germination frequency and rate in each treatment group. Testing the success of different milkweed horticultural strategies will facilitate more efficient creation of monarch butterfly habitat. Second, we are converting a ~0.4 ha mowed grass lot on the Benedictine College campus to a prairie meadow planted with native species selected to generate habitat for pollinators. An October application of glyphosate, a broad-spectrum herbicide, killed the turf grass, and a December planting of a high-diversity prairie seed mix began the restoration of prairie habitat. We will quantify the success of the restoration by measuring the plant and invertebrate diversity throughout the summer and in subsequent years. Finally, we are seeking to educate the public on the importance of pollinators and on how they can play a role in their conservation. We are growing milkweed for community distribution, as well as developing further outreach and education programs.

Julia Izzo, Rori Richardson, Terrence Malloy, Virginia Winder, Biology

Location