The Amazing Lives of Bees, Wasps, and Ants with author and entomologist Eric Grissell March 19, 2011

Beneficial insects, including pollinators, are widely appreciated by native plant gardeners, yet few realize that sawflies, parasitic wasps, hunting wasps, bees and ants (collectively called Hymenoptera) are among the most numerous and admirable insects in nature and the garden. This beautifully illustrated introduction to the intricate and amazing lives of Hymenoptera will dispel fears and emphasize the benefits of these fascinating creatures. A book-signing follows the lecture.

Eric Grissell is an entomologist and the award-winning author of the classic Insects and Gardens: In Pursuit of a Garden Ecology and recently published Bees, Wasps, and Ants: The Indispensable Role of Hymenoptera in Gardens (both from Timber Press). Eric grew up in San Francisco where he acquired the basics of gardening at an early age. Torn between the seemingly artificial world of gardens and the natural world of insects, he attended the University of California, Davis, where he majored in entomology with a minor in botany. After having gardened in mediterranean, subtropical, and temperate climates, Eric now practices what he refers to as Darwinian Victory Gardening in the high desert grasslands of southeastern Arizona. According to the principles of DVG, anything that survives in his garden is considered a victory. Even weeds.

The Arboretum will be open to attendees at 5:00 p.m. (prior to the lecture) for strolling and an optional tour of the Engelmann oak grove led by Jim Henrich, Arboretum curator of living collections. Tour begins at 5:30 p.m. sharp; tram leaves at 5:15 p.m. (tram space is very limited – first come, first seated).

Co-sponsored by The Aboretum and the Theodore Payne Foundation for Wild Flowers and Native Plants.

Official Website: http://www.theodorepayne.org