Pollinators and beneficial insects are critical for healthy agricultural landscapes and many of the crops grown in the West; so important that the 2008 Farm Bill made pollinators and their habitat a priority for USDA. The encouragement of native bee populations on-farm is more important than ever due to Colony Collapse Disorder and other pests. Restoring native habitats, identifying plants that provide the best food and habitat, and understanding nesting behaviors are all essential to conserve pollinators and beneficial insects. A restored habitat with healthy populations of native beneficial insects can in turn reduce chemical inputs.

Western SARE has played a key role in addressing research needs of our region’s farmers and ranchers by funding high quality research conducted in collaboration with producers. This publication highlights four Western SARE-funded initiatives that provide cutting-edge information for creating on-farm habitat and implementing best practices that support pollinators and beneficial insects.

HABITAT PLANTINGS AND RESTORATION FOR POLLINATORS AND BENEFICIAL INSECTS

From the Field:

Highlights from Western SARE’s Project Portfolio

We’re showing that an agricultural industry can live alongside the natural ecology and help preserve and conserve it.

– David James, Washington State University

The Challenge

Hives of European honeybees, com-monly purchased for pollination services, have become more difficult to obtain due to decline from disease and Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). Na-tive bees can make a significant contri-bution to crop pollination. Protecting, enhancing, or providing natural habitat on farms is the best way to conserve native pollinators. The USDA, through language included in past Farm Bills,

Searching for a Solution

To provide information on habitat enhancements to ag professionals, Mader developed the Professional Development project “Western Pollinator Conservation Planning Short Course (project number EW10-018).” This project aimed to supply in-depth pollinator conservation training to farm educators and resource conservation professionals in 11 Western States. Mader planned to partner with academic institutions, Extension, and NRCS to present the Short Course in Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, and Washington. Based on extensive reporting of each participant in past trainings in other states, the participant

has made pollinators a priority for all of their conservation programs. Accord-ing to Eric Mader, National Pollinator Outreach Coordinator of the Xerces So-ciety, they had collaborated with NRCS at the state and national level on de-veloping guidelines on how to provide pollinator foraging and nesting habitat in agricultural landscapes. However, the knowledge necessary to implement these habitat enhancements had not

would on average go on to influence (as an educator) at least 100 acres of land that benefited pollinator conservation. Using these assumptions, Mader estimated that eleven events with 30 participants could directly benefit pollinators on 33,000 acres of land.

A core curriculum on pollinator conservation planning in agricultural landscapes was created and included modules on the importance of bees, their decline and conservation threats, native bee ecology, pollinator habitat assessment, bee-safe farm management, pollinator habitat restoration, and financial and technical support from USDA conservation programs and personnel. Wherever possible, the Short Course curriculum

been cultivated at the field office level. Mader claimed that this lack of knowl-edge was a constraint to wider adop-tion of pollinator conservation. NRCS surveys themselves demonstrated that farmers desired to provide addition-al habitat for pollinators but needed technical assistance to do so. Education for ag professionals would develop that technical expertise needed by farmers.

was supplemented by presentations from conservation experts based in each individual state. An open lab period to observe pinned native bee specimens, native bee materials, and informational displays enhanced the classroom component. Outdoor field components were also incorporated as possible. The conclusion of each Short Course included a discussion of local technical and financial resources to support the independent ongoing efforts of workshop participants.

What was Learned

Mader and the Xerces Society leveraged additional funds to provide 25 Short Courses in 13 states, adding trainings in California and Oregon to

Western Pollinator Conservation Planning Short Course EW10-018Eric Mader

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

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Photo: David James

the original list. Their specific target originally was 200 participants; they greatly surpassed this target by reaching 1,000 participants (averaging 40 participants per course). The extra funds allowed for multiple trainings in some states. Participants included staff from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD), Certified Crop Advisors, the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), and Extension personnel, as well as farm organizations and individual farmers.

Participants answered survey questions immediately after the Short Course and then again one year after the training. Results from these surveys demonstrated increased awareness of pollinator population trends and specific practices to conserve these vital insects.

In the year since participants attended the Short Course, 95% of respondents reported that they had utilized the information they learned at the training. Participants utilized the information in the following ways: providing additional habitat (71%), in education and outreach programs

to their peers (60%), assisted others (farmer-peers) in implementing pollinator conservation practices (50%), incorporated pollinator conservation practices into their land management systems (47%), considered pesticide impacts on pollinators (42%), enrolled (4%), encouraged or assisted with enrollment in NRCS conservation programs (30%), included pollinator conservation information in written publications (28%), and adjusted land management practices to benefit pollinators (25%)

According to Mader, “field staff from NRCS, FSA, Extension, and Soil and Water Conservation Districts who attended the Short Courses went on to directly implement pollinator conservation strategies with their client farmers. Thousands of acres of land are being managed for pollinators as a result of these trainings.”

The surveys also show that over the long term this project will result in increased participation among growers of bee-pollinated crops in USDA conservation programs like Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation

Stewardship Program (CSP), and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).

Testimonials include:

“Everything was really great. I work for NRCS and have to implement pollinator habitats and received little training—this was exactly what I needed. Thank you!” - NRCS Field Conservationist, Washington

“Learn more about how to incorporate pollinator considerations to conservation planning; Yes—I feel more informed about pollinators, which will help in talking to producers. Great job!” - Agricultural Support Staff, Bridger, Montana

Photo: Eric Mader

Photo: Eric Mader

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Post-Projects Impacts

The Xerces Society is the only organi-zation to have had their project in all four SARE regions in the Professional Development program (PDP). This came about after Mader received his Western SARE funding. Mader claims that one of the most critical outcomes from his project is that the Xerces Soci-ety developed at totally new model for delivering their information; the short course model. As Mader states, this very comprehensive training given in a short time frame allowed participants to leave with the understanding of how they could create a pollinator meadow and begin thinking about their plan, how to implement it, and how to man-age it for success. This idea was allowed to incubate due to SARE funding and has become quite successful (educa-tionally and financially) as the Xerces Society continues to conduct pollinator short courses around the country, with about one per week. Mader claims that word about the short courses spread throughout the farming community and agencies from SARE participants which has created a constant drumbeat for these courses.

The pollinator program at the Xerces Society has grown from two staff mem-bers to almost 25, in large part due to the short courses and their now formal-ized structure to communicate and go into new communities.

All of this work has translated to real world, on-farm conservation. To the best of Mader’s ability, he estimates that these courses have supported approximately 200,000 acres of habitat plantings on farms.

Mader received future funding from Western SARE for the Conservation Bi-ological Control Short Course (project number EW14-035) which synthesizes research on natural pest control and offers realistic solutions for enhancing beneficial insect populations on farms. This short course is built on the pol-linator short course and came about when Mader and his staff heard feed-back from participants in the pollinator courses that they would like informa-tion on conservation biological control.

Where to Learn More

Annual and Final Reports in SARE Database: mysare.sare.org/mySARE/ProjectReport.aspx?do=viewProj&pn=EW10-018

PI Contact:Eric MaderThe Xerces Society(503) 232-6639eric@xerces.org

Managing Alternative Pollinators: A Handbook for Beekeepers, Grow-ers and Conservationists:westernsare.org/Learning-Center/Books/Managing-Alternative-Pollinators

Website:xerces.org

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Photo: Heather Harrell

The Challenge

Washington wine grape growers have made significant steps in reducing use of insecticides and miticides to control arthropod pests that serious-ly affect wine grape production. The development of low-input Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies that increase the role of conservation biological control (CBC) led these decreases. However, a key to improving the sustainability of IPM and CBC is a diversified, native habitat that contains resources for predators and parasitoids year-round. This can be accomplished by creating a farm landscape that mimics the habitat that existed before

Searching for a Solution

James and his team sought an in-novative habitat restoration model and green marketing opportunity for Washington vineyards by enhancing sustainable CBC and IPM that aids con-servation of bees and butterflies.

His objectives were:

1. Select four demonstration (Native Habitat Restoration: NHR) and four (paired) control vineyards.

2. Monitor pest and beneficial arthro-

the vineyard and is attractive to bene-ficial arthropods. According to David James of Washington State University, agricultural development in central Washington has contributed to the large scale removal and degradation of native sagebrush-desert steppe hab-itat, which is home to a diverse flora and fauna that now only flourishes on the fringes of agroecosystems. James and his project team hypothesized that restoring this ecosystem within the agricultural zone had great potential for Washington wine grape growers. They developed the Western SARE project “Native Habitat Restoration,

pods in NHR and control vineyards to provide data on abundance and season-ality of pests, natural enemies, butter-flies, and bees.

3. Establish additional refugia and native perennial ground cover plots in demonstration vineyards.

Sustainable IPM, and Beneficial Insect Conservation (project number SW10-052)” with the aim of restoring native sage-steppe habitat in, around, or near vineyards, along with beneficial insects and threatened butterflies. The project would “address the Washington wine grape industry priorities of reducing synthetic chemical inputs, improving the sustainability of integrated pest management, and increasing the use of sustainable farming practices that pro-tect the environment and community as a whole.” Success would also provide opportunities of “green marketing” of wine.

4. Conduct a survey of abundance of pest natural enemies attracted to flow-ering native perennials in southern and central Washington and collect data for 30-50 potential candidates for ground covers.

5. Establish native perennial ground cover candidates in field plot trial at WSU-Prosser for evaluation as natural enemy attractants.

6. Mass rear and release selected but-terfly species in NHR vineyards using the Sustainable Prisons program.

Native Habitat Restoration, Sustainable IPM, and Beneficial Insect Conservation SW10-052David James

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

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Photo: David James

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7. Establish and maintain NHR web-site.

Native Habitat Restoration sites chosen were already undertaking restoring habitat. Sites were located in different appellations. Control vineyards were selected for their absence of refugia and ground covers and were located in the same district. James states that “NHR and control vineyards were as similar as possible in terms of size and grape varieties. Maximum involvement from collaborating vineyard personnel was obtained in continued establishment and maintenance of plants and refu-gia.”

Post-Project Impacts

During the course of this project, James discovered small durable plants that had potential as new, native ground covers. He later selected some of these plants and conducted trials in two university-based locations. He has looked at about a dozen species that can be used as ground covers rather than as refugia. Later he evaluated the ground cover in small plots on vine-yards and then on larger commercial vineyards.

From the project that Western SARE funded, James has published three papers and anticipates another six to be published. One paper on butterflies in particular garnered much media

attention. James’ focus is on nature conservation, with a strong interest in butterflies. This research was described in at least 17 news outlets including Modern Farmer, Science Recorder, and (e) Science News. Post-project, James’s data demonstrates that vineyards can benefit butterflies. James and his team have found that vineyards that create nearby natural habitats have three times the number of butterfly species and four times more butterflies than conventional vineyards. “Conservation of butterflies is becoming an issue be-cause all species are declining,” James says. “The habitat has been taken away by agriculture. This is a way of giving back. We’re showing that an agricul-tural industry can live alongside the natural ecology and help preserve and conserve it.”

Where to Learn More

Annual and Final Reports in SARE Database: mysare.sare.org/mySARE/ProjectReport.aspx?do=viewProj&pn=SW10-052

PI Contact:David James(509) 786-9280david_james@wsu.edu

Website:wavineyardbeautywithbenefits.com/

Facebook Page:facebook.com/pages/Vineyard-Beauty-with-Benefits-Restoring-Habitat-for-Beneficial-Insects/112777002135559?sk=wall

Press release: Vineyard Habitats Help Butterflies Return (regarding study published in Journal of Insect Conservation):eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-05/wsu-vhh051115.php Photo: Heather Harrell

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The Challenge

Due to declines in honey bee popula-tions, and drops in native bee numbers in some regions, there is increasing interest in on-farm practices that restore habitat-supporting pollination services. Hedgerows – field edge plant-ings of native shrubs and forbs – are commonly used to re-diversify agricul-

tural areas as a means to strengthen ecosystem benefits. Native bees depend on both floral and nesting resources, which could be found in hedgerows. As a graduate student at the University of California at Berkeley, Hillary Sardinas found studies on floral abundance but few were on nesting resources. Under-

standing nesting resources is key, as native bees are primarily ground-nest-ers. More knowledge about the efficacy of hedgerow restoration in provid-ing availability of nesting resources, translating into more nesting bees, is essential.

Ecosystem Services in Hedgerow Restorations: Pollination Function and Nesting Habitat GW12-024Hillary Sardinas

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

3

Searching for a Solution

Sardinas says that she “was very inter-ested to learn if putting in hedgerows was enough to combat colony collapse disorder” and other causes of decline. Working with hedgerows comprised of hybrid sunflower (pollinator-de-pendent, yet understudied), Sardinas conducted studies to determine wheth-er hedgerows provide adequate nesting habitat for native bees. A good amount of sunflower is grown in Yolo County, California. In three years, she worked with 20 Yolo County farmers at 28 sites. The project would address ques-tions concerning the value of hedge-row restorations to both crop yield and native bee survival. This could assist farmers in making decisions about using hedgerows by providing a

comprehensive economic valuation of hedgerows’ pollination services. Sar-dinas mentions that her project also “investigated whether rates of nest-ing were increased in fields adjacent to hedgerows, as well as whether the presence of hedgerows enhanced the diversity and abundance of the native bee community at different distances into fields.”

The objectives of Sardinas’ Western SARE funded project, Ecosystem Ser-vices in Hedgerow Restorations: Pol-lination Function and Nesting Habitat (GW12-024), were to:

1. Assess the spatial distribution of pollinators in agricultural fields

2. Assess pollination function in fields

with and without hedgerows

3. Generate an economic model that evaluates the marginal benefits of hedgerow restoration along field edges

4. Assess the nesting bee community in hedgerows and fallow field edges

5. Correlate habitat features in hedge-rows and fallow field edges to nest occurrence

Photo: Hillary Sardinas

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Photo: Hillary Sardinas

What was Learned

At the end of her project, Sardinas determined that “hedgerow plantings do increase wild bee abundance and richness; however, this does not trans-late into crop fields.” Specific findings include:

• The distribution and density of nests within a given field would likely influ-ence foraging extent.• Bee communities in field edges were dominated by generalists, whereas bee communities in fields contained higher numbers of sunflower specialists.• Within edges, hedgerows sup-ported a more diverse community of bees; however, within fields the effect of hedgerows disappeared. The bee species visiting sunflower seem to be attracted to the crop fields and not the hedgerow plantings.

Sardinas concluded that having lots of sunflower moving around a region helps increase bee populations more than hedgerows.

Post-Project Impacts

Results from Sardinas’ project con-tinue to reach producers interested in hedgerows and habitat restoration. Infographics that Sardinas’ created about managing for wild bees (western-sare.org/Learning-Center/SARE-Proj-ect-Products/Managing-for-Wild-Bees) are regularly used by UC Cooperative Extension in their workshops and posted on-line at the Berkeley Food In-stitute. Interested farmers have also at-tend Sardinas’ presentations, including one for the Sustainable Cotton Project, as many cotton farmers are looking to be certified by reducing the most toxic chemicals and using more sustainable

practices in general. Sardinas now works with the Xerces Society helping farmers directly in creating hedgerows.

Sardinas states that people are increas-ingly interested in bee nesting and hedgerows. Because of this growing interest, the Entomological Society of America is dedicating a full symposium to this subject at their annual meeting, at which Sardinas will present.

A University of California at Berkeley graduate student is building upon Sar-dinas’ work, exploring whether Neon-icotinoids can move from sunflowers to the hedgerows, as has been speculated. The tool that Sardinas developed, an emergent trap, has been found to be very useful and is now widely used to assess nesting bee communities.

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Where to Learn More

Annual and Final Reports in SARE Database: mysare.sare.org/mySARE/ProjectReport.aspx?do=viewProj&pn=GW12-024

PI Contact:Hillary Sardinas(760) 271-2111hsardinas@berkeley.edu

Blog:nativebeeresearch.wordpress.com/

Pollinator Forage DevelopmentFW11-005Heather Harrell and Les Crowder

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

4The Challenge

Farmer Heather Harrell and beekeeper Les Crowder of New Mexico recog-nized the need to develop conservation techniques to preserve the contin-ued presence of honeybees and other pollinator species in both agricultural and wild lands, due to their collapsing populations. According to Harrell and Crowder, the beekeeping world is expe-riencing massive losses of pollinators due to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). Research existed on the potential causes of the collapse; however, more information was needed on remedia-tion. Organic producers, such Harrell and Crowder, had turned to the idea of building healthy habitats for polli-nators in areas that are protected from

environmental degradation.In 2011, Harrell and Crowder had NRCS funding to establish pollination hedges, but they did not have a viable list of plant species to use.

Searching for a Solution

The goal of their Western SARE farm-er/rancher project, “Pollinator Forage Development (project number FW11-005),” was to begin the process of identifying forage species which pro-vide food and habitat for pollinators while serving as windbreaks, livestock forage, and nitrogen-fixing cover crops. They believed that “this will enable beekeepers and interested agricultur-

al landowners with the knowledge to develop their lands in support of these diminishing populations.”

The objectives of this project were:

1. To develop the farm as a pollinator forage species demonstration site, with a wide diversity of plantings that pro-vide a continuous source of nectar and pollen through the active season.

2. To provide education and outreach to students and the general public con-cerning honeybee and pollinator health and welfare.

3. To publish a book on using organic methods in top-bar beekeeping, which

Photo: Hillary Sardinas

Photo: Heather Harrell

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would include a list of plants that are useful in supporting honeybee health and longevity.

A list of forage species would serve as a broad resource for farmers and ranch-ers who would like to provide habitat for pollinators, as well as organizations like NRCS and the Xerces Society who do their outreach on the development of pollinator “friendly” zones.

What was Learned

With additional funding from the Santa Fe Community Foundation and the McCune Foundation, Harrell and Crowder published a well-received book “Top Bar Bee-keeping.” This book has reached thousands of people who find invaluable information on using organic methods and using the right plants to support honeybees and other pollinators. A DVD was also developed with the same information. They also created

a website that lists trees, shrubs, and blooming cover crops that support pollinator health.

Harrell and Crowder state one im-portant impact from the project is that “staff from local agencies who have visited our farm have seen the success of our plantings and been encouraged to spread the word in other agricultural venues. This was part of our original goal, and our land serves as a beautiful inspiration to others from all walks of

life.” Farm tours, classes, and lecturing also encouraged land owners to sup-port pollinators through proper plant-ings.

Post-Project Impacts

Since the completion of their Western SARE-funded project, Harrell and Crowder have continued to reach out to the ag community about the impor-tance of providing habitat for pollina-tors. They speak every year at the New

Mexico Farming conference (100-200 people per year) and have taught a certification program every summer through a series of six on-farm classes. They contin-ue to have host pollinator walks on their farm one or two times per year. Crowder continues to lecture all over the country at various beekeeping events. Their book continues to have strong sales every year. Harrell states that “the NRCS in our area has used the information from our book to help other farms.”

Where to Learn More

Annual and Final Reports in SARE Database: mysare.sare.org/mySARE/ProjectReport.aspx?do=viewProj&pn=FW11-005

PI Contact:Heather Harrell and Les Crowder(575) 587-2065fortheloveofbees@kitcarson.net

Website:fortheloveofbees.com

Photo: Heather Harrell

Photo: Heather Harrell

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SARE is a USDA competitive grants program that supports agricultural systems that are economically viable, envi-ronmentally sound, and good for communities and families.

The Western SARE region has a diversity of agriculture and a broad geographic range that encompasses 13 states and four pacific island protectorates. Western SARE manages five grants programs: Research and Education; Farmer/Rancher; Ag Professional + Producer; Professional Development; and Graduate Student. All grants pro-grams address the same goals:

• Promote good stewardship of the nation’s natural resources using site-specific, regional, and profitable sustainable methods.• Enhance the quality of life of farmers and ranchers and improve the viability of rural communities.• Protect the health and safety of those involved in food and farm systems.• Promote crop, livestock, and enterprise diversification.• Examine the regional, economic, social, and environmental implications of adopting sustainable practices.

In 26 years, Western SARE has awarded over $50 million toward ground-breaking projects cooperatively conduct-ed by producers, ag professionals, and researchers and created an extensive learning center to ensure that research results are easily and rapidly accessible.

ADDITIONAL PROJECTSMore information about Western SARE’s extensive project portfolio addressing livestock, grazing management, and other agricultural issues can be found at westernsare.org/projects.

Author: Stacie ClaryWestern SareCommunications Specialist

Western SARE:Rhonda Miller, Regional CoordinatorUtah State University4865 Old Main HillLogan, Utah 84322(435) 757-3772

Western SARE PDP Program:Jim Freeburn, PDP Coordinator4516 Highway 26/85Torrington, WY 82240(307) 532-2436

ABOUT WESTERN SARE

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HABITAT PLANTINGS AND RESTORATION FOR POLLINATORS AND BENEFICIAL INSECTS

From the Field:

Highlights from Western SARE’s Project Portfolio