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February Membership Meeting on Zoom --

7:20-7:30 PM Optional early login

7:30-7:45 PM Actual start at 7:30 PM with announcements

7:45-8:45 PM The Xerces Society and the Connection of Pollinator Habitat and Our Communities

Join us on Zoom to learn about The Xerces Society and the Connection of Pollinator Habitat and Our Communities with Detroit pollinator conservation specialist, Stefanie Steele. 

The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation is the largest invertebrate conservation organization in the world, with over 85 staff across the U.S. Join Stefanie to learn about the diversity of work Xerces is doing and take a closer look at community pollinator projects in Detroit and initiatives across the greater Great Lakes / Midwest region. 

Stefanie Steele is the Pollinator Conservation Specialist for Urban and Small Farms. Based in Detroit, she provides technical assistance, planning, and education on incorporating pollinator and other beneficial invertebrate habitat in small urban agricultural areas and community gardens in historically underserved communities. Her work supports projects including the Xerces Habitat Kit Program, People’s Garden Initiative, and conservation programs through the USDA Farm Bill.  

Stefanie earned a master’s degree in biology from Portland State University where she studied cavity nesting bees and wasps and completed a multi-year study of solitary bees in Portland’s urban core and their floral use. Since graduating, she has worked on research projects studying diverse bee communities and building her knowledge of the taxonomy and ecology of native bees. While in Portland, OR, Stefanie worked with several urban gardens, orchards, farms, and restoration areas to help incorporate pollinator habitats. Originally from Cincinnati, she is excited to be working with urban communities in the Midwest on staff with the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, About the Xerces Society | Xerces Society.

  • History / background of the Xerces Society

  • Overview of Xerces Programs - Protecting Pollinators, Conserving Endangered Species, Reducing Pesticide Use and Impacts, Outreach Education / Communication

  • Regional projects and programs overview 

  • Local projects and opportunities overview

Earlier Event: January 20
Stewardship Saturday at U of M-Dearborn Natural Areas
Later Event: February 17
Stewardship Saturday at U of M-Dearborn Natural Areas