When it comes to beetles, ants or wasps, Sonoma State lecturer Frederique Lavoipierre is a myth buster for insects.
Lavoipierre writes about the misconception surrounding insects and other garden inhabitants in the quarterly magazine, Pacific Horticulture, to focus public awareness on their significant role in the environment.
This month, she and horticulturist Kate Frey lead “Garden Allies:Beneficial Insects and Other Helpful Garden Denizens” on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Darwin 103 at SSU.
The cost of the workshop is $35 and is a benefit for the Entomology Education and Outreach Program on campus to secure equipment and supplies necessary for establishing a versatile community outreach program.
The October workshop includes presentations, tours of the campus gardens and biological sciences museum, and a hands-on lab exploring the world of garden allies.
A highlight will be the insect lab where more than 30 stations will be available at which participants can enjoy a look at garden insects through university-quality microscopes, see the posters and exhibits used for outreach in schools, and view the collections of insects housed at the University.
In addition to the main collection and the collections from the University preserves, several special collections donated to the University will also be available for viewing.
The Entomology Education and Outreach program provides presentations for K-8 classes and school gardens, as well as for public and professional groups such as California Native Plant Society, Master Gardeners and school garden teacher training programs.
The program is also able to provide advanced training for SSU biology students interested in entomology and environmental education as well as integrate with the University preserves - Fairfield Osborn Preserve and Galbreath Wildlands Preserve.
It also serves local agencies such as the Laguna Foundation and Pepperwood Preserve by providing docent training, lectures and collection facilitation.
Lavoipierre is the director of the SSU Sustainable Landscape Program, and coordinator of the Entomology Education and Outreach Program.
She is currently studying for her Masters of Science degree in Biology (Sustainable Landscape Ecology) as well as researching plants that support beneficial insects at local wineries.
She ran one of the first certified organic nurseries in the state in the late 1980s, Shoestring Nursery, which offered heirloom vegetable starts, culinary herbs from around the world and edible flowers.
Frey is an instructor in the SSU Sustainable Landscape Program, winner of two gold medals at the Chelsea Garden Show in London, and works as a landscape designer and consultant. She has a special expertise in native plants and honeybees.
Seating is limited. For reservations and more information, contact Frederique Lavoipierre at (707) 829-0751 or lavoipie@sonoma.edu.
