Gardening with Insects (Series)

PLEASE NOTE : This series is on Thursday nights, not Wednesdays as originally announced.

Register online for this 3-part lecture series and save over 33%!  Or attend 1 or 2 of the lectures and pay at the door.

When and Where : All lectures are 7-9pm in the Auditorium (Room #150) on the main floor of MCAD (MN College of Art and Design), 2501 Stevens Avenue, Minneapolis 

Thursday, September 10
INTRODUCTION TO INSECT MANAGEMENT
A bit of biology, a bit of ecology, basic overview of biocontrols.

• Insect characteristics and life cycles
• Plants we love and the pests that eat them
• Species identification and stages of management
• Common insect pests in local gardens

Thursday, September 17
BIOCONTOL REGIMES FOR PEST MANAGEMENT
Specifics of solving pest problems using predator/parasitic wasp complexes and/or multispecies releases of predatory mites; the process of ordering bio-agents from biocontrol suppliers; and how alternative pesticides like insecticidal soaps, hort oils, and kaolin clays work physically on insects - in contrast to synthetic pesticides that function as nerve toxins.

• Natural pesticides, soaps, and clays
• Beneficial insect predators and parasites
  • Multi-species release and biocontrols
  • Seasonal management techniques
  • Sources for beneficial insects

Thursday, September 24
PLANTING HABITAT FOR BENEFICIAL INSECT MANAGEMENT
A long-term view of biological control : the importance of creating habitat, and how plant diversity enables the insect diversity needed for natural control of pest populations.

• Fall and Spring garden prep for insect management
• Building habitat for beneficial insects
  • Using plant diversity for insect diversity
  • Attracting beneficial insects with Insectory Islands
  • Building an Insectory Island and insect habitat

How to Register:  PRICES BELOW ARE FOR THE ENTIRE SERIES OF 3 LECTURES!  Click the appropriate button below to register in advance for all 3 lectures at a discounted series price.

If you want to attend one or two of the lectures, please pay at the door.  (Price at the door: $15 per lecture for members, $20 per lecture for non-members.)

Note: When you are paying, please select the blue GOOGLE CHECKOUT button (below the Checkout button), as we will accept On-Line Credit Card payment only for this event.

Questions? Please contact Dan Halsey.

Sponsored by PRI Cold Climate and Minneapolis College of Art and Design