Pollination is a critical ecosystem service, and one that is mostly provided by flower visiting animals. In addition to supporting terrestrial ecosystems, pollination is also directly responsible for much of the food human populations consume. Unfortunately, global change is weakening these critical interactions, and some pollinator species and communities are in decline. In this talk, I will explore some interesting facts and examples of plant-pollinator interactions and conclude with some simple steps we all can take to promote pollinator diversity and abundance in our own backyards.[/caption]

George Meindl grew up in a biodiversity hotspot in Northern California, where he became passionate about plant diversity and species interactions. Following a MS degree at Humboldt State University studying pollination of carnivorous plants, he completed a PhD studying the impacts of floral metal accumulation on plant-pollinator interactions at the University of Pittsburgh. In his free time, he enjoys the outdoors, being an amateur mycologist, and playing disc golf. He is now an Assistant Professor in the Environmental Studies Program at Binghamton University.

As always, Naturalists’ Club member meetings are free and open to the public.